Odom has spent seven years of his career with the Lakers, but has spent the last two with the Mavericks and Clippers. Last season, Odom played in all 82 games for the Clippers and averaged 19.7 minutes per night. In his time on the floor, he averaged 4.0 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, and also shot 39.9 percent from the field.
Ramona Shelburne of ESPN Los Angeles has the latest on Odom’s current situation:
The Lakers and Clippers are likely the only two teams that Odom could spend next season with. A source told Jared Zwerling of ESPN New York, “He will only play if he is with an L.A. team.” Well, that narrows the list down by quite a bit. It would be interesting if the Lakers decided to bring him back.
Odom didn’t really leave Los Angeles on the best terms a few years ago. The veteran was supposed to be in the deal that would’ve sent Chris Paul to the Lakers, but the league vetoed the trade. Odom was hurt by his inclusion in the deal and requested a trade—and was later dealt to Dallas—per Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles.
Los Angeles general manager Mitch Kupchak told McMenamin at the time that Odom wouldn’t have been dealt if he didn’t request to be traded. Years have passed, and it now seems like the power forward could make a return to the team to play alongside his old teammate, Kobe Bryant, in what would likely be a bench role.
The Lakers don’t have many options to come off the bench to replace Pau Gasol for the upcoming season. Los Angeles has a few big men on the roster aside from Gasol, but most are centers and not power forwards. Ryan Kelly has the chance to be Gasol’s primary backup, but he may need some time to transition to the NBA.
Antawn Jamison was the go-to guy for the Lakers last season ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
