Could a coaching spot with the Los Angeles Lakers be in Lamar Odom’s future?
Things are looking up for the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite missing the postseason for a franchise long four consecutive seasons, the vibes around the organization are great.
The Lakers have a roster loaded with young talent. 2017 NBA Draft No. 2 overall pick, Lonzo Ball, is the new face of the franchise, and there are also high hopes for the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Brandon Ingram. The roster is not the only thing budding with talent in the Lakers organization.
The front office has two high-profile people in new positions in Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka. Johnson is a Lakers icon hired by Jeanie Buss to get the team back on track on the court. Pelinka was a super agent when the year started but is now general manager of one of the greatest franchises in NBA history.
On the bench is where the Lakers could have their biggest star. Luke Walton is one of the best up-and-coming coaches in the NBA. The Golden State Warriors were dominant under his watch when he replaced the ailing Steve Kerr. It made him a hot commodity on the coaching market and he landed with the Lakers.
Los Angeles Lakers
Walton has done a great job surrounding himself with people he has worked with previously. He has some Arizona Wildcat alums and some people that have been involved with the Lakers previously. Could a former teammate be added to the staff in the near future?
Recently, Lamar Odom discussed a wide range of topics with Shams Charania of The Vertical. Odom discussed the trade away from the Lakers, saying it essentially ended his playing career and purpose.
There were also discussions about Odom signing with the Lakers in training camp so he can retire with the organization. However, if things work out, that will not be the last we see of Odom with the Lakers.
The Lakers discussed adding Odom to their staff as a player-development coach. Odom did not commit to the opportunity but considered the offer.
"“I’ve thought about coaching with the Lakers, but I don’t know if I’m ready to commit myself,” Odom told The Vertical. “It was cool being back around that environment, watching Lonzo [Ball] work out. You could tell he will be special.“It’s always good to be back around the Lakers’ facility. There’s nothing but good memories, besides that trade.”"
Playing with the Lakers is where Odom experienced the highs of his basketball career. He was an integral part of two NBA Championship winning teams. He also took home the Sixth Man of the Year award for the 2010-11 season. However, the Lakers traded him following that season to the Dallas Mavericks and that is when things went downhill for Odom.
Odom’s off court struggles have been well documented. He had a near death experience in 2015 when he suffered a life-threatening drug overdose in a Las Vegas brothel. Odom is still trying to figure things out in his life and what he wants to pursue.
A future with the Lakers could be in store. As he mentioned, he likes being back in the Lakers’ facility. He also spent some time around the organization during the pre-draft process, watching prospects work out alongside Walton.
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Odom and Walton are friends, so if Odom decides that he wants to get into coaching he should have a spot with the Lakers as long as Walton is the head coach.