What About L.O?

One of the more versatile power forwards in the NBA is sitting in limbo without a team, including the one that he just helped lead to the NBA Championship.  Owner Jerry Buss and the Lakers continue to play hard ball with Lamar Odom by lowering the initial contract of 3 years $27 Million , which Odom turned down in hopes of getting a 4th year.  L.O averaged 12pts and 9rbs off the bench for the World Champs and not bringing him back into the fold will cripple the Lake Show if they want to repeat. 

Another possible destination for Odom, could be a return to the Miami Heat to team up with Dwyane Wade whom he had 1 successfull season with during D-Wades rookie campaign.  It is widley reported that the Heat can offer Odom the full mid-level exception of $50 plus million over 5 years with an option to become a free agent in year 4.  This could be a big incentive to keep Wade in Miami after 2010 when he becomes a free agent.  Carlos Boozer could factor into the equation via sign and trade sometime before the trade deadline of Febuary 2010.  Surrounding Wade with those two All-Stars would make Miami a great team in the Eastern Conference. 

For now, Odom will continue to mull the offers of LA and Miami in an attempt to get the best deal possible.  I believe that Odom will eventually land in LA again, but you don't watnt a player who feels underpaid thats already coming off the bench to be a distraction.  Odom deserves his pay day, especially since he could be a starter on almost every other team in the NBA.  Hopefully the Lakers will realize losing Ariza and Odom would be a disaster to repeat. 

Peace,
Agent34