Lamar Odom Assigned to D-League by the Dallas Mavericks

According to NBA.com, Lamar Odom's return to the Dallas Mavericks lineup will be postponed as he stops off in the D-League.

This marks the first time in Odom's 13-year career that he will play a game in the D-League. This also marks the 41st time a player has been delegated to the D-League in the 2011-12 season alone.

While commissioner David Stern confidently claims that the lockout has not led to injuries, it has led to a decreased level of play for many players. Odom included.

Odom has played in 32 games for the Mavericks, starting four, but has failed to duplicate the success he's had over the past 12 seasons. After winning the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2011, Odom has posted career-lows in points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks and field-goal percentage in 2012.

Hopefully, for Mavs fans, this delegation is a short-term stint to rebuild Odom's confidence. Otherwise, this could be the beginning of the end for one of the most versatile players of our generation.

The Dallas Mavericks' affiliate Texas Legends will be Odom's home for this unset amount of time. His first game can be viewed at NBA's Future Cast website for free as the Legends host the Austin Toros tomorrow at the Dr. Pepper Arena.