What to do with Lamar?

Lamar Odom has started the season for the Lakers on fire. Odom through the first five games is averaging 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assist shooting 70 percent from the field. He has been the most impressive player this young season for the two-time defending champion Lakers team so far. So the question is, when Andrew Bynum recovers from his injury, will Lamar be sent back to the bench?

Sure it has only been five games so far, and Odom’s consistency has always been an issue, but the situation is different this time around. Odom played for Team USA in the World Championships this past summer in Turkey and has entered this NBA season in the best shape of his life.

Odom seems much more focused, and his game has matured. He understands his strengths and what he can provide to the team. Also, his jump shot has significantly improved. Through five games, he has shot 80 percent beyond the arch.

Meanwhile, Andrew Bynum has had his struggles himself and his consistency has always been an issue as well. Bynum missed training camp so will need a few games to get back into game shape when he returns. The fact is, Bynum plays much better with the first unit.

One of the main reasons is Pau Gasol. Gasol is one of the best passing big men in the league and has a knack of setting up Bynum in the post. With two 7-footers playing a high-low, the Lakers become almost unstoppable in the post. Defensively, Bynum is an upgrade over Lamar as well. Bynum has always played better with the starters than he has off the bench.

At the end of the day, when Bynum does make his return, I believe he should be entered back into the starting lineup. Bynum’s productivity with the first unit is much higher than the second unit. LO also become a fantastic high-energy guy off the bench. Lamar could provide a great scoring boost off the bench, while still playing a lot of minutes with the starters as he subs in for Bynum or Gasol.

Lamar is playing fantastic without a doubt, but chemistry wise, he is better off the bench for the Lakers if Bynum is available. A bench which consists of Steve Blake, Shannon Brown, Matt Barnes, Lamar Odom, and Theo Ratliff is the best bench in the league by far.

In the meantime, I expect Lamar to continue to play at a high level until Bynum returns. LO has done a great job stepping in during Bynum’s absence and has shown that he is one of the most versatile players in the league.

This is just an opinion…so please, Pardon My Bias.