NBA Rumors: Struggling Mavericks Star Lamar Odom Not Long for Dallas

Despite much of the success during the Dallas Mavericks' current five-game winning streak, struggling Dallas sixth man Lamar Odom has looked lost and out of place with the defending NBA champions this season.

Odom has surpassed 10 points in just one of 12 appearances with the Mavs this season, and is currently shooting 30 percent from the field. He is not long for Big D.

According to ESPN's Marc Stein, Odom's future with the Mavericks is in question. 

"

Odom's future in Dallas is uncertain even if he rallies and plays well this season, given the Mavericks' well-chronicled intention to create as much salary-cap space as possible in the summer of 2012 for the pursuit of marquee free agents such as Howard and Williams.

"

Odom is clearly still shaken about the fact that the LA Lakers were so willing to trade him and former teammate Pau Gasol away for Chris Paul before the season began. Not to mention he started the shortened regular season somewhat out of shape.

The Mavs have a buyout option next season for Odom's reported $8.2 million contract in 2012-13, which they could swallow up for a quarter of that price if done by the end of June.

Given Dallas' increasing interest in soon-to-be free-agents Deron Williams and Dwight Howard, an uninspired and unproductive Odom will likely be the first chess piece to move. At age 32, his best basketball is behind him and he likely won't be winning any more sixth-man awards.

The drama in his personal life and his lack of mental toughness and consistent focus have been on display the first three weeks of the NBA season. With no thanks to Odom, the Mavs have won five in a row and are now among the best teams in the Western Conference.

The fact that they are rolling right now without Odom doing the same only adds to the certainty of the veteran's future in Dallas.