Lamar Odom Talks: Is He Going To Stay with the Lakers?

At the Lakers' championship DVD release and player signing today, Lamar Odom was interviewed by the Orange County Register. This video was posted by Janis Carr.

Watch the video, and decide for yourself. Does it sound like Odom is leaving the championship Lakers for another team?

True, Mitch Kupchak said just yesterday that a Odom signing was becoming unlikely, as posted by Carr.

But you have to wonder, who else can entice Odom to leave the Lakers as they contend for another championship?

Which team can offer more money than the Lakers?

It was reported today that the Mavericks are interested, and it was even confirmed by Mark Cuban. But Dallas can only offer the mid-level exception, which is less than the $8 million/yr. the Lakers are reported to have offered.

Would Odom leave the Lakers for a relatively low offer like Trevor Ariza did? It would seem very unlikely.

And how about Portland? True, if Millsap is not signed, they could offer Odom more money than the Lakers, but not much more.

After looking at the video, do you really think, Odom, a "Big City" guy, would leave L.A., the city he loves, for a small, Hooterville, rural place like Portland?

I don't think so. I think he stays and signs this week, which will make many Lakers fans happy.

BREAKING NEWS UPDATE: Lakers pull offer to Lamar. Dr. Buss upset his agent is not returning calls, but can talk to Cuban.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-lakers-lamar-odom15-2009jul15,0,5773043.story