Los Angeles Lakers: Five Reasons Lamar Odom Will Finally Be an All-Star

Lakers head coach Phil Jackson was recently asked to consider what the Lakers record would be without Lamar Odom filling in for an injured Andrew Bynum for the first 24 games of the season.  His response, "a lot worse than what it is right now."  Once again, Jackson proves why he is the master of the simple answer that is ever so meaningful.  

It's been a tale of two seasons for Odom—he started the first 31 games of the season while Bynum worked his way back into shape and most recently has been filling his customary role as sixth man for the past 12 games and counting.  

Despite the change, it's been Odom's best season as a Laker yet and we've decided to take a look at the five reasons why Lamar Odom will finally be an All-Star.

The 15/9/3 Club

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 14: Lamar Odom #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over Kris Humphries #43 of the New Jersey Nets at Staples Center on January 14, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won 100-88. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges

Odom is one of four players in the NBA to average at least 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists.  The other members include:  Blake Griffin, Pau Gasol, and Al Horford.  Not a bad club to be in...

Odom is currently averaging 15.4 points per game to go along with 9.5 rebounds and 3 assists...he also chips in .9 blocks and .6 steals in 34 minutes per game.

56.8% From The Field

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OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 12: Lamar Odom #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball during their game against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena on January 12, 2011 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by

Odom is shooting an incredible 56.8 percent from the field this season, good for fifth in the league.  Not only is that easily a career high in his 12th season, it's nearly 10 percent higher than his career average of 46.9 percent.

35.4% From Three Point Land

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SAN ANTONIO, TX - DECEMBER 28: Forward Lamar Odom #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers at AT&T Center on December 28, 2010 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is con

How many guys in the league are shooting over 55 percent from the field and 35 percent from three point land?  One man, and his initials are L.O.  This is just the third season out of 12 in which Odom has shot over 35 percent from three and it's helped the Lakers tremendously in clutch situations all year long.

Please feel free to name another 6'10" guy in the NBA who can snatch down a rebound and drive the full length of the court for layup or pull up and drill a three.  I'm all ears...

Odom is a one of a kind player when discussing all around games in the NBA...

6th Man Of The Year

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 7: Lamar Odom #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over David West #30 of the New Orleans Hornets at Staples Center on January 7, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won 101-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges

Assuming Odom eventually qualifies for the sixth man of the year by coming off the bench for more games than he started, he should be a lock to win the award this year for the first time in his career.  

There isn't a player in the league that produces anywhere near the all around number that Odom does.  He should continue to see his 34 minutes a game coming off the bench as Phil Jackson always plays him during crunch time.  

The 2011 NBA All-Star Game Will Be Played at The Staples Center

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PHOENIX - JANUARY 05: Lamar Odom #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers lays up a shot against the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game at US Airways Center on January 5, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 99-95. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowl

This one is too easy...could there be a more fitting venue?  The fact that this year's game is at the Staples Center is a perfect opportunity for me to use the ultimate cliche that the "stars are aligned"...

How great would it be to see Kobe, Gasol and Odom on the floor at the same time during an NBA All-Star game played on their home floor?  As a Lakers fan, the only thing that could be better this season would be tying the Boston Celtics with title No. 18...which I predict will happen as Phil Jackson rides off into the sunset...