Lamar Odom to Europe in 2012?

Here’s a new wrinkle in the latest fad that is NBA player going to Europe during the lockout. Well, actually this really has nothing to do with the lockout. This story involves Lamar Odom and a potential move to Europe next season.

Odom fired off the following Tweet to Pau Gasol today. Make of it what you will.

"@paugasol it’s ya boy @RealLamarOdom ! My dude really want 2 talk 2 u! Really thinking about going 2 play in Europe after this season!"

For those not knowing Odom is still under contract with the Lake Show. In fact he’s got two years on his deal but after this season the last year is a team option. So if we understand LO correctly he’d take the trip across the pond should the Laker choose not to exercise his $8-million option in 2012.

Or could it be that Lamar is just going to walk away from the NBA? We’ll have to wait and see.

Forget all the talk of Lamar and wifey doing some Euro reality show. The real deal is that LO’s game has always been tailor made for the Euro style of play. He’s a big that can handle the rock, shoot, rebound and defend. What’s more is that Lamar’s last swing through international ball – last year at the FIBA world championships – showcased his ability to crossover into the European game.

Now where the speculation gets interesting is in how much money he could be leaving on the table and what it would mean to the Lakers.

The reality is that Odom is getting into those years when he’s got to start thinking about what he’ll be doing after hoops – besides slanging unisex fragrances. There’s still enough left in the tank that even after 2012 NBA squads will be calling. Something else Lamar showcased at the FIBAs was his ability to play whatever role was necessary. One game Lamar was a facilitator, the next a rebounder. That’s a quality that teams with title aspirations will still pay top dollar for.

Maybe this is a nothing Tweet, a mere convo as casual as talking about the next movie Lamar was planning on seeing. Either way it’s a topic to keep in the back of your mind once this lockout is lifted.