We've heard/read/blogged about it all off-season. The Lakers need Lamar Odom to win another title.
Yahoo! Sports Marc Spears is the latest to support this theory:
general manager said Wednesday. “With him, they’re the favorites.”
Said one West advance scout: “I definitely would think it’s unanimous
in the league that if Lamar goes somewhere else, well at the very least
in the West, that it gives you a glimmer of hope that even if Kobe
plays great you’re right there with them.”
Spears touts Odom's all-around game, versatility and cites the fact he had the second highest plus/minus in the league last year. Spears also says Odom is key to the Lakers chemistry, especially with Ron Artest around.
Odom and chemistry in the same sentence? Whoa. I think it's time for a reality check. Let's not forget Odom was playing for a contract last season. He had to be on his best behavior. He had to give his all every game. He had to accept reduce minutes and come off the bench. If Odom signs a big fat contract whose to say he won't revert back to the multi-talented but underachieving Lamar Odom we've come to know and love?
The media might be busy stroking Odom, but Lakers ownership isn't fooled. Jerry Buss and Mitch Kupchak aren't biting. They've watched Odom mail-it-in on one too many nights. So far, they're refusing to overpay and I applaud them for that.
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