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Los Angeles Lakers: 10 best power forwards in team history

By Ed Schrenzel

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 9: Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands in observance of the national anthem before a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at STAPLES Center on March 9, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 9: Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands in observance of the national anthem before a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at STAPLES Center on March 9, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers: 10 best power forwards in team history
Paul Moseley/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT via Getty Images /

No. 2: Lamar Odom

Lamar was one of the most multi-talented players the NBA has ever seen, which makes it difficult to assign him a single position. When he was first drafted, he was widely thought to be a transformative player and drew comparisons to Magic Johnson for both his size (6’10” 220 pounds) and ball-handling ability.

He actually did play a smattering of point guard, especially in his first few years with the Clippers. In the Lakers triangle offense, he was as much of a playmaker as anyone else, and several times led the club in assists.

But Odom was generally regarded as a forward, and with the Lakers, he almost always guarded the opposing 4. On offense, he was an excellent companion to Bryant on the wing, giving Kobe the freedom to operate from his favorite spots on the floor.

Lamar was the centerpiece of players the Lakers received when they traded Shaq to Miami. “The Candy Man” was a model of consistency, averaging between 14 and 16 points per game in five of his seven Lakers seasons and between 8.2 and 10.6 rebounds in all 7. Overall, his stats were 13.7 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3.7 assists.

After being a starter for his first nine years in the NBA, Lamar was persuaded by Coach Phil Jackson to accept a sixth-man role for the 2008-09 season. He performed exceptionally well off the bench, helping the team win back-to-back titles, and ultimately being named Sixth Man of the Year a couple of seasons later.

Although he never quite lived up to his advance billing, Odom’s versatility served to elevate him in the rankings.

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