Lamar Odom Or Trevor Ariza: Who Do the Lakers Keep?

The box scores below represent Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza based on their career statistics.

This offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers have to decide which player they would rather retain.It is possible for both players to re-sign, but with potential free agent contracts being offered to both players, there is reason for skepticism.

After winning an NBA Championship, players that were considered role players previously, can strike it rich months after national exposure via free agency.

So who should the Lakers keep, if they can only have one of these two players?

Previous reports have said that the Lakers consider Ariza more valuable. From looking at the stats I believe that Odom is the better basketball player, and capable of helping Los Angeles to a repeat championship.

If winning next season is the priority, the Lakers would be better off with Odom. His +/- was +18.05 in this years playoffs. While Ariza was 13.09, still very good considering how the series played out.

Odom also averaged 9.1 rebounds in the postseason, Ariza just 4.2 boards per game. Assists and three-point field goal percentage were slightly better for Ariza, giving him an edge in those categories.

Odom also has a career average of 15.1 points, 8.8 boards and 4.2 assists per game. Those numbers dwarf Ariza's in comparison.

Ariza is a fine basketball player, with uncanny explosiveness and instincts. He is quick, relentless and a timely shooter. However, Lamar Odom is a God blessed basketballer. He is 6'10" and 230 pounds with point guard ball handling skills. Dude was born to play ball.

If the Lakers really want to win next year, they will try and re-sign both players.

The game is a business and while Ariza is fun to watch I would not give him a huge deal.

Jordan had Scottie Pippen, who averaged 17 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.

Odom is as close as they come to Pippen, with 15 points, nine rebounds, and four assists.

If Kobe wants to get to six rings, he should whisper in an ear or two about Lamar.

If I had to pick between them, give me Odom in a heartbeat. He was great in college and has been almost all-star caliber every season of his pro career.

Stars need potential studs to carry them in key moments. Odom has been and will be a great steady presence for years to come.

Lamar Odom career statistical averages

Season	Team	G	GS	MPG	FG%	3p%	FT%	OFF	DEF	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	TO	PF	PPG
08-09	LAL	78	32	29.7	0.492	0.320	0.623	2.3	5.9	8.2	2.6	1.0	1.3	1.77	3.00	11.3
Career		665	605	36.5	0.463	0.314	0.701	2.0	6.8	8.8	4.2	1.0	1.0	2.75	3.30	15.1

Trevor Ariza career statistical averages, through four seasons

Season	Team	G	GS	MPG	FG%	3p%	FT%	OFF	DEF	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	TO	PF	PPG
08-09	LAL	82	20	24.4	0.460	0.319	0.710	1.4	2.9	4.3	1.8	1.7	0.3	1.06	2.00	8.9
Career		311	52	20.0	0.470	0.299	0.661	1.3	2.5	3.8	1.3	1.1	0.2	1.06	1.90	6.9

Odom through first five seasons

Year	Team	G	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	OFF	DEF	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	TO	PF	PPG
99-00	LAC	76	70	36.4	0.438	0.360	0.719	2.1	5.7	7.8	4.2	1.2	1.2	3.39	3.80	16.6
00-01	LAC	76	74	37.3	0.460	0.316	0.679	1.4	6.3	7.8	5.2	1.0	1.6	3.47	3.10	17.2
01-02	LAC	29	25	34.4	0.419	0.190	0.656	1.1	5.0	6.1	5.9	0.8	1.2	3.34	3.10	13.1
02-03	LAC	49	47	34.3	0.439	0.326	0.777	1.2	5.4	6.7	3.6	0.9	0.8	2.86	3.70	14.6
03-04	MIA	80	80	37.5	0.430	0.298	0.742	2.0	7.7	9.7	4.1	1.1	0.9	2.95	3.40	17.1