Vitals
Age: 31
NBA Experience: 11 years
Contract Status: Signed thru 2011-12 (Team option for 2012-13)
2010-11 Averages: 14.3ppg, 8.6rpg, 3.0apg, 53% FG, 38% 3PT, 67% FT
For Lamar Odom it was the best of times and it was the worst of times during the 2010-11 season. Known for his wildly inconsistent nature Odom was far and away the most consistent contributor for the Lakers. His efforts earned him the first individual recognition of his professional career as LO was named the NBA’s Best Sixth Man.
Off the court Odom saw his star rise thanks in large part to the infamous family he married into. Winning rings in Los Angeles has always been a springboard so it was only right that a good dude like LO cashed in on his ever increasing profile.
Despite all he accomplished Odom was unable to help the Lakers to a third straight title. Sometimes the spotlight can find you sporting fresh gear and sometimes it catches you with your pants down. This was a crucial year for Odom as he’s sacrificed so much to remain a Laker. Somehow it feels unfair but that’s the nature of the game.
Since this is a business Odom’s stock has never been higher and that means one thing to an NBA GM who sees his team fall short of their goal – time to sell. Mitch Kupchak tried his best to get the Lakers into the draft lottery by offering the T-Wolves Lamar for the 2nd pick. Minnesota declined the offer of Odom asking instead for Andrew Bynum or Pau Gasol.
Such is the life of a professional athlete. Underachieve and you’ll be unemployed. Overachieve and you could find yourself in a worse working situation.
Odom is about the only asset the Lakers seem willing to move so don’t be surprised if there aren’t more rumors involving Odom throughout the season (if there is one).
Overall Odom has been a model citizen since becoming a Laker. Whatever role the coaching staff has asked him to play he’s willingly accepted and thrived in. Whatever demands management has made of him in terms of pay he’s also willingly accepted. Widely known as one of the best teammates in the NBA, Odom is a glue guy in the locker room and has kept his off-court endeavors separate from his place of work.
The Lakers are in a real bind with Odom. They desperately need him as his versatility makes the front line the most dynamic in the league. On the other hand he’s the only viable option to offer in a trade. Stay tuned as the upcoming season should be filled with plenty on intrigue for Lamar and the Lakers.