Funny the way things work. Two weeks ago, the Lakers were the toast of the NBA, a near cinch to win the title. Then, in a matter of games, they have become a so-called mess. We’ve already decided here that the Lakers would be back and that this is just the beginning of a new era in Laker basketball. That’s more than I can say for the mentality of others in this city. It’s already the Laker therapy line locally, and it didn’t even take long after the game for players to say changes were needed (e.g. defensive toughness). Your first likely change? Lamar Odom to go, according to the LA Times.
Then there’s Odom’s $14-million salary, as the Lakers assume as much as $90 million in additional salary and luxury tax over the next three seasons with Gasol.
However, from the day they made the trade, the Lakers never thought they would end up paying that much, suggesting they were already thinking of moving Odom.
Indeed, Odom was in their package for Gasol until Memphis owner Michael Heisley took him out, asking for lesser players who afforded more cap relief.
You probably didn’t even need to hear the money side of the issue to guess Odom would be gone. With Bynum coming back next year, someone will have to go, and you know it won’t be Pau. Besides, was there any player more Jeckyll and Hyde in the playoffs this year than Odom? I like the guy, but man, his inconsistency has to drive you nuts, not to mention his fluctuating health. He’ll be someone else’s mess before too long, most likely.
