Lamar Odom Says He Won't Play for Team USA at 2012 Olympics

According to ESPN Los Angeles' Arash Markazi, Los Angeles Clippers forward Lamar Odom won't be playing for Team USA in the London Olympics this summer:

"

Lamar Odom tells ESPNLA he will skip Team USA this summer and work with trainers in L.A. and focus on this season.

— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) July 2, 2012"

This can't really come as a surprise, as Odom clearly wasn't too focused on playing basketball last season. He could surely use some time to get back into game shape before stepping onto the court with the best players in the world.

In one of the most ridiculous happenings in recent NBA memory, Odom and the Dallas Mavericks parted ways in April after the two-time NBA champion decided he wasn't too keen on playing for the organization.

Before his departure, Odom averaged just 6.6 points and 4.1 rebounds in 50 games for the Mavericks last season—in which he played just 20 minutes per game.

Odom was a disappointment for the Mavericks, to say the least. When he won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2011, Odom averaged 14.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and three assists per game for the Los Angeles Lakers.

This could prove detrimental to Team USA's chances of winning a gold medal in London. There is a serious lack of size among the current finalists, an issue that is magnified now that Anthony Davis may miss the competition with a sprained ankle.

This news comes after coach Mike Krzyzewski found out he will be without Dwight Howard, LaMarcus Aldridge and Chris Bosh.

According to USA Today, nine roster spots have been all but secured.

Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Russell Westbrook will reportedly fill the guard spots.

LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Love will occupy the forward positions.

Tyson Chandler is the only center expected to play for the team.

That leaves Blake Griffin, Eric Gordon, Rudy Gay, James Harden and Andre Iguodala to battle it out for the final three spots.

Team USA will play its first game of the Olympics against France at 2:30 p.m. ET on July 29.