Lamar Odom has practically been nonexistent in the NBA since he was traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Dallas Mavericks in 2011. In two seasons with the Mavs and Los Angeles Clippers, the 33-year-old averaged only 5.3 points and 5.1 rebounds while playing roughly 20 minutes per game. Despite the drop in production, the Lakers may be interested in bringing him back.
Ramona Shelburne of ESPNLosAngeles.com reported on Saturday that the Lakers have reached out to Odom, though the interest level on either side is unclear at this point. While LA is in need of size with Dwight Howard announcing his decision to sign with the Rockets on Friday, you have to wonder how much Odom would be able to contribute at this stage in his career.
The prospect of Odom returning to the Lakers is intriguing in that many feel he could have continued to play at a high level if he was never traded to Dallas. Odom nearly came to tears when discussing the trade in 2011, and the Mavs ended up paying him to not be on their roster in 2012. Did Lamar love being a Laker so much that he could revert to his 2010-2011 form, when he averaged 14.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game?
That’s a possibility, but it’s also important to remember that Mike D’Antoni is still the coach of the Lakers. Last season, D’Antoni struggled to find ways to properly use his bigs. Most people believe that is one of the reasons Howard decided to leave. Not only that, but Odom was said to be devastated when Phil Jackson — who he looked up to as a father — retired from the Lakers.
All in all, a reunion just doesn’t seem logical.
