Los Angeles Lakers: Should the Lakers Take Back Lamar Odom?
On Tuesday, the Dallas Mavericks ended their short relationship with former Laker Lamar Odom. According to reports, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban entered the locker room at halftime of Saturday's game and asked Odom if he was in or out. Odom then sat on the bench after the third quarter had started and was later released by the team.
Odom, who won the Sixth Man of the Year award last season while playing with the Lakers, was traded before the season began. There are conflicting stories on why this happened. Odom was set to be traded in a deal where the Lakers would have acquired Chris Paul, but it didn't happen and Odom was not happy. He appeared on radio shows, tweeted-and-deleted and decided to skip the first day of team practice. The Lakers said Odom asked to be traded, however, Odom told Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports he said no such thing.
Regardless, the fact remains that Odom became emotional about something that was purely a business decision, and apparently a smart one.
Over the summer, Odom got very out of shape, possibly because of what was going on in his personal life. A cousin who he was close to died, and while Odom was in New York for the funeral, his driver hit and killed a 15-year-old boy. Odom said he even contemplated not coming back this season, but he did and it was a disaster.
During his time on the Mavericks, Odom's play and attitude dropped to a level where Dallas felt he was better suited to play with their D-League team for a short time. It wasn't long after that the big man was listed as "inactive" so that no other team could sign him.
The Mavericks traded a draft pick and an $8.9 million trade exception, which the Lakers have used to better their team. So knowing all this, should Odom be a Laker next season?
It's clear that he can't be a Laker this season, but next year is anybody's guess. Whether he asked to be traded or not, it's obvious where his loyalties lie. Also, the Lakers' bench is lacking to say the least. They have shown recent flashes of consistency, but they could still use some help. As reigning Sixth Man of the Year, Odom can come in at a variety of positions, but we'll have to wait until next season to see how effective he can be.
However, it's not really certain that he can actually help them out. Odom has had a very tough life, losing a child and a parent, but he has always been able to persevere. It seems though, that he may have finally reached his breaking point.
Odom took time off earlier this year because his father was having health problems. However, his father insisted that is was nothing severe.
So, here are the facts, plain and simple. Odom is a veteran NBA player whose received accolades for his high level of play and support. He's emotional and a bit erratic. He's abandoned his new team and essentially quit playing basketball. Is this someone the Lakers want?
After taking the rest of the year off, getting himself together and dealing with his inner demons (whatever they may be), he may be NBA-ready yet again. In terms of if the Lakers should sign him again, it comes down to both what the team does in the offseason and what they think after reevaluating him.
If they feel he's got his marbles back, is in shape and will sign for the league veteran minimum, then sure. Why not. Right now, Odom is averaging 6.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 20 minutes. If he demands more money or isn't all there, then the Lakers can surely find someone better, younger, cheaper and not a possible liability.
