Odom Leaning Towards Heat

[KSeal]

lol lakers bench

portland and san antonio will defintley be better than LA even maybe denver

odom commanded so much attention becuase of his matchup problems if your a true lakers fan and ever noticed that

spurs would though be the favorites to win it all if odom leave for south florida :lobt2:

Talk about premature ejaculation, the man hasn't even left yet and you're already talking about how the Spurs are winning everything, lmao, right along with the Redskins right? :lmao Delusional bandwagon fan.

[Ghazi]

Odom stays, Lakers are favorites to win title and Spurs are 6th best team in NBA behind the Big 3 in the East and Lakers/Mavs :smokin

Odom leaves, Celtics are favorite to win title and Spurs are 6th best team in NBA behind the Big 3 in the East and Lakers/Mavs :smokin

[Mhak]

Odom stays, Lakers are favorites to win title and Spurs are 6th best team in NBA behind the Big 3 in the East and Lakers/Mavs :smokin

Odom leaves, Celtics are favorite to win title and Spurs are 6th best team in NBA behind the Big 3 in the East and Lakers/Mavs :smokin

lol... This guy probably smoking like his avatars when he did this... Maybe with Dirk, Cuban and David Hasselhoff.. your ignorant.. nough said

[KSeal]

lol... This guy probably smoking like his avatars when he did this... Maybe with Dirk, Cuban and David Hasselhoff.. your ignorant.. nough said

lol, it's you're ignorant, not your. While you call someone else ignorant...

[j-money24]

odom stays, lakers are favorites to win title and spurs are 6th best team in nba behind the big 3 in the east and lakers/mavs :smokin

odom leaves, celtics are favorite to win title and spurs are 6th best team in nba behind the big 3 in the east and lakers/mavs :smokin

+1

[Mhak]

lol, it's you're ignorant, not your. While you call someone else ignorant...


lol... I'm calling you ignorant, not ignorance..

[ulosturedge]

Odom stays, Lakers are favorites to win title and Spurs are 6th best team in NBA behind the Big 3 in the East and Lakers/Mavs :smokin

Odom leaves, Celtics are favorite to win title and Spurs are 6th best team in NBA behind the Big 3 in the East and Lakers/Mavs :smokin


Yeah I only wish we could be as good as the Mavs. That team knows how to win Championships...


Not to mention Lakers homers vs Spurs homers is quite hilarious.

I find it funny how Lakers fans view on the Spurs is the worst case scenario. While I think they are older(Duncan and Ginobili) and maybe a bit past their primes in no way do I think they are obsolete.


We are 6th huh lol. Yeah keep counting the Spurs out. Thats when they are at their best.

[KSeal]

lol... I'm calling you ignorant, not ignorance..

:lmao Nice try.

[Culburn369]

Yeah keep counting the Spurs out. Thats when they are at their best.

A piece of the Mav's Kit-Kat Bar broke off in your ass 4-1 withstanding.

[sabar]

You'd think if the spurs suck so much you wouldn't post on their fan site or even bring them up in conversation. It'd be like randomly assuring yourself that the bobcats are indeed no threat.

Insecure fans are insecure.

[Culburn369]

portland and san antonio will defintley be better than LA even maybe denver

Portland? Only when we come to visit, otherwise they're off into check cashing & catalog shopping like 24-hours-a-day.

[Culburn369]

You'd think if the spurs suck so much you wouldn't post on their fan site or even bring them up in conversation. It'd be like randomly assuring yourself that the bobcats are indeed no threat.

It's the NBA Forum, sabar. Go over to your Spurs Forum where you'll be safe. You stay here and you'll continue to get a box with five handles every chance we get.

Savvy squirt?

& the Bobcats ain't a threat cept two times a years: we come to visit|||they come to visit. Otherwise, they're like the Blazers= check cashers. & like the Blazers, they don't intrude. They never have.

[crc21209]

bench would be weak but the starting 5 is still better than anything spurs or blazers have....likely hood is Manu gets hurt anyway and how much do duncan and dice even have left? who knows

boston would be the favourites, orlando you could argue also has a better roster than the spurs or blazers.

all this is pointless as odom is still a laker and will return.

I didn't know you knew the future that Manu's gonna get hurt and Dice and TD are gonna be too old to win. :rolleyes. Stop posting your "wish expectations."

[crc21209]

Odom stays, Lakers are favorites to win title and Spurs are 6th best team in NBA behind the Big 3 in the East and Lakers/Mavs :smokin

Odom leaves, Celtics are favorite to win title and Spurs are 6th best team in NBA behind the Big 3 in the East and Lakers/Mavs :smokin

:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao

Please.

If Odom comes back:

In the West: Lakers, Spurs, Nuggets, and so on...Mavs are somewhere from 4 to 8.

If Odom doesnt come back:

In the West: Spurs, Lakers, Nuggets, and so on.

[Kindergarten Cop]

Talk about premature ejaculation, the man hasn't even left yet and you're already talking about how the Spurs are winning everything, lmao, right along with the Redskins right? :lmao Delusional bandwagon fan.

Am I seeing this right? :wow Did a Lakers fan really just call someone else a bandwagon fan????? :lol:toast

[tlongII]

The Blazers are the favorites for the title regardless of what Odom decides.

[ElNono]

The Blazers are the favorites for the title regardless of what Odom decides.

What title? "We beat the Lakers when it doesn't matter" title?

[21_Blessings]

The Lakers are better than the entire western conference whether Odom returns or not.

[jacobdrj]

The Lakers are better than the entire western conference whether Odom returns or not.

I don't know about that. Ron Ron can be a huge boon, or a huge bust. Without Odom and Ariza as buffers for the eventuality that Ron Ron could go boom the Lakers could be in quite a pickle without some better depth...

I am still not that 'high' on Odom. I really don't see him as 'all that'. He isn't bad, but, whatever. Not my cup of tea...

[z0sa]

:lmao Nice try.

no, you're just an idiot.

[spursfaninla]

I don't get it when people argue by just saying "my team is better," "no, my team is better."

That is weak. What is the point?

My 11 year old can argue better than that.

[tlongII]

We won 54 games last year and added top flight point guard and gained a year of experience. I expect our win total to increase by 10 games. Any other teams gonna win 64 games this year? I don't think so...

[Amuseddaysleeper]

The Lakers are better than the entire western conference whether Odom returns or not.

:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol:rollin:rollin:rollin

[Culburn369]

The Lakers are better than the entire western conference whether Odom returns or not.

It's true.

[Dunc n Dave]

It's true.

Culburn, lying out of his ass...

[Culburn369]

Culburn, lying out of his ass...

Uh, oh, the Board Crabass is on the prowl.

[Dunc n Dave]

Uh, oh, the Board Crabass is on the prowl.

Don't Fear the Reaper, Cul...

[Culburn369]

...Death twitches my ear, "Live." he says, "I am coming."

[mytespurs]

John Ireland of 710 ESPNposted this on twitter this morning:

"710ESPN710 ESPN'S John Ireland says Lamar Odom will likely be back with the Lakers. Talk about it with Mason and Ireland today from 3p-7p."

So hopefully there will be a resolution soon so laker fans can relax that they are the top team in the west or either go into smack talk overlode. And fans of the Spurs & other teams in the West can assess their teams chances realistically. :hat

[Culburn369]

Manoshevitz!

[The_Game]

John Ireland of 710 ESPNposted this on twitter this morning:

"710ESPN710 ESPN'S John Ireland says Lamar Odom will likely be back with the Lakers. Talk about it with Mason and Ireland today from 3p-7p."

So hopefully there will be a resolution soon so laker fans can relax that they are the top team in the west or either go into smack talk overlode. And fans of the Spurs & other teams in the West can assess their teams chances realistically. :hat

lets hope so....it's annoying not be able to judge teams this time of the summer

[BigVee]

Who cares? The damage between LO and front office is already done. He will play with a frown on his face and without heart all year.

[mytespurs]

Who cares? The damage between LO and front office is already done. He will play with a frown on his face and without heart all year.
that's what I wonder about......but I think if or when he returns, he'll get nearly what he asked for....I think both sides will give compromise a bit....

[Culburn369]

that's what I wonder about

I'll just bet you wonder.

[duncan228]

Lamar Odom gives Miami a look (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Lamar-Odom-gives-Miami-a-look;_ylt=ArMM8R6MloKCo591snHw7PO8vLYF?urn=nba,178 763)
By Kelly Dwyer
Ball Don't Lie

There's a distinct possibility Lamar Odom could be a member of the Miami Heat (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=ArNS.54w.Ott148N5vSvQH68vLYF?slug=aw-odomheat072509&prov=yhoo&type=lgns), and I can't help but feel a tinge of sadness at that thought.

There is certainly nothing wrong with Odom heading to the Heat as a free agent. It's just that, as basketball fans, the whole mess that could lead to him rocking off to South Beach feels like an incredible disappointment. Like the couple that everyone deems the cutest, splitting up after a row regarding what name to give the new dog.

Once you've moved past your favorite team, the basketball fan's best interest is served in seeing the absolute from the squads that are left, playing into June. It's why we don't want to see Joe Johnson leave the Suns. It's why we're bummed that the Lakers had to give up George Lynch and Anthony Peeler in order to clear space to sign Shaquille O'Neal — because we want those role players working alongside the big fella.

It's why we want the Magic to pass on matching Marcin Gortat's offer sheet with the Dallas Mavericks. Sure, Gortat gives the Magic a chance to be the best they can be, but in replacement of Erick Dampier, Gortat really, really, really gives the Mavericks a chance to be as good as they can be. It's why we want minutes for Tyrus Thomas, shots for Andrew Bogut, health for Yao Ming, and new owners in Memphis, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Clippers, of course. And maybe the Los Angeles Lakers, should Odom head to Miami.

The Lakers played tough this summer, and it cost them both Trevor Ariza, and it could cost them Lamar Odom. They're still the favorites for the championship, and I'm not going to tell you that Trevor Ariza is a better player than Ron Artest. But he's a better fit — unless Ron's history is nothing to bank on and he proves us wrong next season — than Ron Artest. And Ron Artest, even at his best, can't replicate what both Ariza and Odom gave and could have given the Lakers next year.

It's not my money, Los Angeles is already paying the luxury tax, and a $9 million starting salary for Lamar Odom is really an $18 million starting salary for Lakers owner Jerry Buss once you figure in the dollar-for-dollar tax. The team is already about $13 million over the tax with only Artest aboard as it is. That's a lot to pay.

But they also play into June, every year. They make money, they earn home-court advantage, they sell jerseys, they draw ratings and they win games. And why do they win games? Because the last two personnel directors of the Lakers have been allowed to spend money.

And it's frustrating — not as a Laker fan, but a fan of great basketball — that another chance at an all-time team could be taken away. Sure, last year's champs were great. Next year's champs, if they make it that far, are going to be a great team. But we also had Andrew Bynum essentially taken away from us two straight seasons, even if he was jumping center in last year's playoffs. And with Odom and Bynum at times, the sideline triangle never looked better.

Another year of that, of that growth? With Kobe and Pau? This could be more than a championship team, if Odom sticks around. This could be a special team. There haven't been many of those, recently.

Again, Odom in Miami wouldn't be the end of the world. He's played there, he's flourished there, he's worked with Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem on one of the most entertaining one-year flourishes in recent history (http://www.hardwoodparoxysm.com/2009/07/22/dreaming-oddly-odom-why-odom-returning-to-miami-would-be-too-awesome/), and he'd be fun to watch. I don't know how the Heat work around the confusion that will be the Odom-Udonis Haslem-Michael Beasley forward triptych, but if they can swing the Carlos Boozer deal, things should clear up.

Partially.

Portland's ability to facilitate a trade took a big hit when they signed Andre Miller on Friday. This leaves them with around $3 million in cap space, which could help, but it wouldn't allow the Utah Jazz (looking to trade Carlos Boozer for either a young player like Tyrus Thomas, or absolutely nothing and payroll relief) to get what they want while sending Boozer Miami's way.

Signing Odom to an MLE deal this summer still leaves the Heat room to add a boffo free agent next summer (assuming the cap keeps shrinking to about $51 million) while retaining Wade, but that plan could also fill up their payroll to the salary cap level with just Odom, Wade, Mr. Boffo Free Agent, Beasley, Daequan Cook and Mario Chalmers. A nice start, but no champion.

Now, top-heavy rosters (in Boston two seasons ago, specifically), have done well in the past. And Wade is but four seasons removed from winning a championship with a top and minimum contract-heavy team that could barely get double-figure point contributions from its second (Shaquille O'Neal) and third (Antoine Walker) helpers on some outings, but the East has improved considerably since then.

Even with Wade dominating the ball, and second-year guard Chalmers moving to the side, it's hard to see Odom in a complete point forward role. If anything, he'll merely act as a small forward with a handle, far removed from the guy who was forced to give up big point and assist numbers in running the Lakers' sideline triangle offense off the bench.

Because of Odom's rebounding acumen, it's possible that he could start at big forward alongside Beasley, or Beasley could start at big forward alongside him. Semantics would be up to the Miami scorekeeping crew, as both are hybrid guys with a lot to give. And as much as I respect Haslem's ability to defend, help on penetration, and pull in loose balls, a pair like Odom and Beasley will be hard to guard. Truly hard to check, if both are used right by coach Erik Spoelstra.

Or, Odom could start at small forward. He could be forced to chuck nothing but 3-pointers and Wade tries out yet another inside-out dribble, or Cook meanders, or Chalmers looks for Jermaine O'Neal for some reason. Haslem could start, Spoelstra could waste another year of Beasley, and things could be terribly, sadly, orthodox. Nothing like we saw in Los Angeles.

It's not that we want to see the rich stay richer. We just understand that a Laker team with Odom could make a bit of history this year, if not in terms of win totals, but in the way they work from game to game, on both ends. In entertainment terms.

And it's disappointing that the adults in this case might not come to fair terms, even if what Dr. Jerry Buss offered Odom (four-year, $36 million offer that guaranteed $30 million) was entirely fair, and even if Odom should have been handled more delicately after spending most of the 2008-09 season all but guaranteeing a hometown discount for his services.

It's hard to remember the last time that I openly rooted for a player to stay with a team I didn't have a vested, fan interest in. This is pretty much unprecedented. And while the basketball world wouldn't crash and burn with Odom in Miami, there would be a little less to look forward to. As someone who is watching just about every night, from October until June, that's enough for me to explain away my rooting interests.

[Culburn369]

"He's played there, he's flourished there, he's worked with Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem on one of the most entertaining one-year flourishes in recent history (http://www.hardwoodparoxysm.com/2009/07/22/dreaming-oddly-odom-why-odom-returning-to-miami-would-be-too-awesome/), and he'd be fun to watch."

That "fun to watch" happy horseshit is what led Orlando to ruin.

[mytespurs]

I'll just bet you wonder.

not engaging in smacktalk or whatever these responses are supposed to mean so whatever.....

[Culburn369]

not engaging in smacktalk or whatever these responses are supposed to mean so whatever.....

Damn, myte, yer crampin' my ogre style.

Sorry again. I've been overwrought this morning worrying about Odom.

[Mr. Body]

Lamar Odom gives Miami a look (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Lamar-Odom-gives-Miami-a-look;_ylt=ArMM8R6MloKCo591snHw7PO8vLYF?urn=nba,178 763)
By Kelly Dwyer
Ball Don't Lie

There's a distinct possibility Lamar Odom could be a member of the Miami Heat (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=ArNS.54w.Ott148N5vSvQH68vLYF?slug=aw-odomheat072509&prov=yhoo&type=lgns), and I can't help but feel a tinge of sadness at that thought.

There is certainly nothing wrong with Odom heading to the Heat as a free agent. It's just that, as basketball fans, the whole mess that could lead to him rocking off to South Beach feels like an incredible disappointment. Like the couple that everyone deems the cutest, splitting up after a row regarding what name to give the new dog.

Once you've moved past your favorite team, the basketball fan's best interest is served in seeing the absolute from the squads that are left, playing into June. It's why we don't want to see Joe Johnson leave the Suns. It's why we're bummed that the Lakers had to give up George Lynch and Anthony Peeler in order to clear space to sign Shaquille O'Neal — because we want those role players working alongside the big fella.

It's why we want the Magic to pass on matching Marcin Gortat's offer sheet with the Dallas Mavericks. Sure, Gortat gives the Magic a chance to be the best they can be, but in replacement of Erick Dampier, Gortat really, really, really gives the Mavericks a chance to be as good as they can be. It's why we want minutes for Tyrus Thomas, shots for Andrew Bogut, health for Yao Ming, and new owners in Memphis, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Clippers, of course. And maybe the Los Angeles Lakers, should Odom head to Miami.

The Lakers played tough this summer, and it cost them both Trevor Ariza, and it could cost them Lamar Odom. They're still the favorites for the championship, and I'm not going to tell you that Trevor Ariza is a better player than Ron Artest. But he's a better fit — unless Ron's history is nothing to bank on and he proves us wrong next season — than Ron Artest. And Ron Artest, even at his best, can't replicate what both Ariza and Odom gave and could have given the Lakers next year.

It's not my money, Los Angeles is already paying the luxury tax, and a $9 million starting salary for Lamar Odom is really an $18 million starting salary for Lakers owner Jerry Buss once you figure in the dollar-for-dollar tax. The team is already about $13 million over the tax with only Artest aboard as it is. That's a lot to pay.

But they also play into June, every year. They make money, they earn home-court advantage, they sell jerseys, they draw ratings and they win games. And why do they win games? Because the last two personnel directors of the Lakers have been allowed to spend money.

And it's frustrating — not as a Laker fan, but a fan of great basketball — that another chance at an all-time team could be taken away. Sure, last year's champs were great. Next year's champs, if they make it that far, are going to be a great team. But we also had Andrew Bynum essentially taken away from us two straight seasons, even if he was jumping center in last year's playoffs. And with Odom and Bynum at times, the sideline triangle never looked better.

Another year of that, of that growth? With Kobe and Pau? This could be more than a championship team, if Odom sticks around. This could be a special team. There haven't been many of those, recently.

Again, Odom in Miami wouldn't be the end of the world. He's played there, he's flourished there, he's worked with Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem on one of the most entertaining one-year flourishes in recent history (http://www.hardwoodparoxysm.com/2009/07/22/dreaming-oddly-odom-why-odom-returning-to-miami-would-be-too-awesome/), and he'd be fun to watch. I don't know how the Heat work around the confusion that will be the Odom-Udonis Haslem-Michael Beasley forward triptych, but if they can swing the Carlos Boozer deal, things should clear up.

Partially.

Portland's ability to facilitate a trade took a big hit when they signed Andre Miller on Friday. This leaves them with around $3 million in cap space, which could help, but it wouldn't allow the Utah Jazz (looking to trade Carlos Boozer for either a young player like Tyrus Thomas, or absolutely nothing and payroll relief) to get what they want while sending Boozer Miami's way.

Signing Odom to an MLE deal this summer still leaves the Heat room to add a boffo free agent next summer (assuming the cap keeps shrinking to about $51 million) while retaining Wade, but that plan could also fill up their payroll to the salary cap level with just Odom, Wade, Mr. Boffo Free Agent, Beasley, Daequan Cook and Mario Chalmers. A nice start, but no champion.

Now, top-heavy rosters (in Boston two seasons ago, specifically), have done well in the past. And Wade is but four seasons removed from winning a championship with a top and minimum contract-heavy team that could barely get double-figure point contributions from its second (Shaquille O'Neal) and third (Antoine Walker) helpers on some outings, but the East has improved considerably since then.

Even with Wade dominating the ball, and second-year guard Chalmers moving to the side, it's hard to see Odom in a complete point forward role. If anything, he'll merely act as a small forward with a handle, far removed from the guy who was forced to give up big point and assist numbers in running the Lakers' sideline triangle offense off the bench.

Because of Odom's rebounding acumen, it's possible that he could start at big forward alongside Beasley, or Beasley could start at big forward alongside him. Semantics would be up to the Miami scorekeeping crew, as both are hybrid guys with a lot to give. And as much as I respect Haslem's ability to defend, help on penetration, and pull in loose balls, a pair like Odom and Beasley will be hard to guard. Truly hard to check, if both are used right by coach Erik Spoelstra.

Or, Odom could start at small forward. He could be forced to chuck nothing but 3-pointers and Wade tries out yet another inside-out dribble, or Cook meanders, or Chalmers looks for Jermaine O'Neal for some reason. Haslem could start, Spoelstra could waste another year of Beasley, and things could be terribly, sadly, orthodox. Nothing like we saw in Los Angeles.

It's not that we want to see the rich stay richer. We just understand that a Laker team with Odom could make a bit of history this year, if not in terms of win totals, but in the way they work from game to game, on both ends. In entertainment terms.

And it's disappointing that the adults in this case might not come to fair terms, even if what Dr. Jerry Buss offered Odom (four-year, $36 million offer that guaranteed $30 million) was entirely fair, and even if Odom should have been handled more delicately after spending most of the 2008-09 season all but guaranteeing a hometown discount for his services.

It's hard to remember the last time that I openly rooted for a player to stay with a team I didn't have a vested, fan interest in. This is pretty much unprecedented. And while the basketball world wouldn't crash and burn with Odom in Miami, there would be a little less to look forward to. As someone who is watching just about every night, from October until June, that's enough for me to explain away my rooting interests.

I can't stand how much the media gives sloppy blowjobs to the Lakers.

[Spurs Brazil]

Source: Lakers reduce offer for OdomComment Email Print Share By Marc Stein
ESPN.com
Archive
As Lamar Odom continues to mull his future, still hopeful that an improved offer for the Los Angeles Lakers is forthcoming, Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade is trying as hard as he can to convince Odom to end his free-agent wait.



Wade

Odom

Wade announced via his Twitter account late Sunday night that he has flown to Los Angeles to "bring Odom bac (sic)" to the Heat. That was Wade's follow-up to an earlier weekend tweet in which he implored Odom to "come back to where it started for the both of us."

Although it's unclear how much impact Wade's ongoing recruiting efforts will have on his former teammate -- or if Heat president Pat Riley, who's also in L.A. this week, will be meeting face-to-face with Odom -- one source with knowledge of the talks told ESPN.com that a resolution to the monthlong Odom saga is likely "in the next few days."

Odom's options, as of Monday, were choosing between an offer from the Lakers that has been reduced from its high point two weeks ago or taking one of the multiple fallback proposals from the Heat that are thought to be sufficiently attractive to coax him to Miami.

So eager to reunite Odom and Wade after their one successful season together in 2003-04, Miami has offered Odom as much as it can for a team well over the salary cap: $34 million over five years with an opt-out to return to free agency after the fourth season. Sources said that Odom, if he ultimately decides to return to South Beach, would likely sign the five-year deal or opt for a four-year deal that comes with a provision to return to free agency after three years.




NBA Rumor Central
ESPN Insider has the updated buzz from the National Basketball Association rumor mill.
Story

One team source confirmed Monday that Lakers owner Jerry Buss, after pulling his initial offer off the table on July 14, is now offering "less" than the original three-year, $27 million deal that he withdrew when Odom pushed for a fourth year. Another source maintains that Odom's preference remains returning to the Lakers after helping them win a championship in June but cautioned that he is prepared to return to Miami and reunite with Wade and Riley if nothing changes this week.

Sources with knowledge of the talks told ESPN.com that an informal level of contact between the sides was maintained after Buss pulled his offer, but it appears that they remain far apart in negotiations. Wade, meanwhile, continues to turn up the volume on his public pleas for Odom to stop haggling with the Lakers, after announcing two weeks back that the Heat "want him back home."

Wade and Odom played together for only one season before the latter was packaged with Caron Butler and Brian Grant in the deal that brought Shaquille O'Neal to Miami in the summer of 2004. The Heat, with Wade as a rookie, finished 42-40 that season and won a round in the playoffs despite an 0-7 start.

Odom, who turns 30 in November, has made it clear over the past several months that he has no desire to leave the Lakers. The possibility exists that Buss has simply decided that he is no longer amenable to absorbing the luxury-tax implications of bringing him back, but it would be an undeniable blow for the Lakers to report to training camp in October without Odom and Trevor Ariza after their contributions to the 15th championship in franchise history.

If Odom does join the Heat, Riley is also expected to make a harder push to trade for Utah's Carlos Boozer -- to flank Wade with two top forwards in an attempt to convince Wade to commit his long-term future to the Heat -- while the new champs would be forced to depend on Andrew Bynum and the newly acquired Ron Artest to minimize the impact of Odom's departure.

Although he initially chafed at his move to the bench last fall, Odom ultimately flourished as a sixth man last season. In spite of a back injury suffered in the second round against Houston, Odom averaged 12.3 points, 9.1 rebounds and 32 minutes per game during the playoffs, when he frequently wound up teaming with Pau Gasol in the Lakers' frontcourt with Bynum either struggling or plagued by foul trouble.

Replacing Ariza with the more physical Artest this offseason gives the Lakers someone more capable of absorbing some of Odom's minutes and responsibilities. But Odom's exit would undoubtedly be celebrated by other playoff contenders in the West, since it's the luxury of having three long-limbed big men to surround Kobe Bryant -- Odom, Gasol and Bynum -- that makes L.A. so fearsome. Odom also ranks as one of Artest's closest friends in the game, so his continued presence would theoretically help Lakers coach Phil Jackson and Bryant manage the mercurial Artest.

The Lakers went into the offseason hoping to convince Bryant to sign a contract extension after resolving the futures of Ariza and Odom, with Bryant possessing the option again next June to joining the free-agent class of 2010 if he chooses. On a promotional tour in Asia last week, Bryant said he was "optimistic that he'll be back."

"He makes a much, much stronger team," Bryant said of Odom.

In 10 NBA seasons, Odom has averaged 15.1 points and 8.8 rebounds. He made $14.1 million last season to complete the six-year, $63 million contract he received from Miami in the summer of 2003.

"Lamar already knows how I feel," Wade said recently. "It's a very important decision in his life. It could be about where he ends his career."

Marc Stein is a senior NBA writer for ESPN.com.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4359259

[Culburn369]

I can't stand how much the media gives sloppy blowjobs to the Lakers.

But, you love it when the media gets our mud on their turtle.

[Dex]

I don't blame Odom one bit. The only reason the Lakers want him back is because they need him back, but they're not willing to pony up and have also been acting like stubborn little bitches. If they really wanna see money well spent, maybe they should use it to buy out that waste of space Vujacic.

[urunobili]

I'll believe it when I see it.

[alchemist]

Lamar Odom gives Miami a look (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Lamar-Odom-gives-Miami-a-look;_ylt=ArMM8R6MloKCo591snHw7PO8vLYF?urn=nba,178 763)
By Kelly Dwyer
Ball Don't Lie
:lmao @ this bullshit, this Laker team that caught breaks against Utah (Okur), Houston (T-Pain, Yao) & Orlando (unfit Nelson) is suddenly Dynastic? :bang

[rjv]

I can't stand how much the media gives sloppy blowjobs to the Lakers.

it was obvious the author of that 'article' was a lakers fan so i took it with a grain of salt.

[Culburn369]

:lmao @ this bullshit, this Laker team that caught breaks against Utah (Okur), Houston (T-Pain, Yao) & Orlando (unfit Nelson) is suddenly Dynastic? :bang

Hey, alch, that is how the fuck it's done, jasper. Nobody does it "clean".

Ya f'in mook, you.

[djohn2oo8]

Don't know if this has been posted or not:

"One team source confirmed Monday that Lakers owner Jerry Buss, after pulling his initial offer off the table on July 14, is now offering "less" than the original three-year, $27 million deal that he withdrew when Odom pushed for a fourth year. Another source maintains that Odom's preference remains returning to the Lakers after helping them win a championship in June but cautioned that he is prepared to return to Miami and reunite with Wade and Riley if nothing changes this week."

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4359259

[KSeal]

:lmao @ this bullshit, this Laker team that caught breaks against Utah (Okur), Houston (T-Pain, Yao) & Orlando (unfit Nelson) is suddenly Dynastic? :bang

Fail on so many levels.

[DrHouse]

What you are saying makes sense if in fact the Lakers weren't the best team last season.

The reality is they were the best team in the NBA based on the facts we have to go by. They didn't have the best regular season record, by a scant game or two, but one could easily argue that playing the WC is much more difficult than the EC.

[Thompson]

The Lakers were the best team last year, but if it weren't for the Gasol deal...

I know y'all hate hearing it over and over again, but everyone else hates having to deal with it.

[kwamay_brown54]

The gasol deal was seen as such a bad deal by the rest of the league, but if you look at trades this last offseason the paramters are very much the same. The lakers were simply ahead of the curve, and got into the salary dump sweepstakes before other teams could.

[Indazone]

UGmpM_ddhGs

[DrHouse]

The Lakers were the best team last year, but if it weren't for the Gasol deal...

I know y'all hate hearing it over and over again, but everyone else hates having to deal with it.

And if the Spurs didn't tank they wouldn't have Duncan or 4 championships.

You just look like sour grapes everytime you bring it up.

[djohn2oo8]

The gasol deal was seen as such a bad deal by the rest of the league, but if you look at trades this last offseason the paramters are very much the same. The lakers were simply ahead of the curve, and got into the salary dump sweepstakes before other teams could.

I guess you're the only one around here who defends Chris Wallace

[Rogue]

I guess you're the only one around here who defends Chris Wallace
While you have got another one in Indazone along with yourself to be double idiots on this board, congratulations. :toast

[Thompson]

And if the Spurs didn't tank they wouldn't have Duncan or 4 championships.

You just look like sour grapes everytime you bring it up.

Robinson broke his foot/missed the season. We didn't have to tank.

[45 bank shot]

And if the Spurs didn't tank they wouldn't have Duncan or 4 championships.

You just look like sour grapes everytime you bring it up.

At least, the spurs made some sacrifice (losing a lot of ticket money)
opposing the lakers got a free favour from the league

[duncan228]

I never understood how breaking your foot and having a screw put in could be considered tanking. Not to mention that the Celtics had the best shot at Duncan, there was no guarantee the Spurs would get the pick.


NBA: Robinson to miss 6 weeks with broken foot
The Boston Globe
December 25, 1996

San Antonio Spurs star center David Robinson, who missed the first 18 games of the season with back pain, was placed on the injured list yesterday after suffering a broken left foot. Robinson is expected to miss approximately six weeks and was scheduled to undergo surgery Friday to insert a screw into his fifth metatarsal.

[mytespurs]

I never understood how breaking your foot and having a screw put in could be considered tanking. Not to mention that the Celtics had the best shot at Duncan, there was no guarantee the Spurs would get the pick.

Thank You!

What a refreshing POV in the constant regurgitation of "my team is better than your team" smack mentality that always dominates these discussions!

[Culburn369]

But wasn't there some real shady incidents right towards the end? Substitution patterns, players used. I don't recall the particulars, but, I remember some people being really torqued off over it.

[Culburn369]

I put my answers in [[[]]]. Hope you can figure it out.


This is hilarious. You're going to call KENDRICK PERKINS a blue chipper and not call Mo Williams one? LOL. I should probably just stop responding here, but out of boredom I will continue...

[[[Yes. Perkins is a blue chipper. Mo Williams is a loser.]]]



Right. So Ben Wallace & Pavlovic would be better. Especially considering all Cleveland needed last year was someone that had the respect of the referees to guard Howard.

[[[No. Daddy, Wallace & Pavlovic aren't going to get Cleveland to a title.]]]


It doesn't really matter, even if that were true. They've got LeBron James. That gives them the advantage in almost any series alone.


Why? Perkins can guard Howard. Pierce and Allen can negate Carter and Lewis. Who's matching up with KG? Gortat? LOL. The Celtics have NO ONE to guard LeBron AT ALL. Pierce is old as dirt, and there's no James Posey there anymore. Sorry.



Two words: Chicago Bulls.

[[[Please.]]]



Maybe teams made up of pussies like the Lakers. That's seriously the only team I've ever seen fold against them in the playoffs due to physicality.



Take off the purple and gold glasses. LeBron is by far the best player in the league and played out of his mind in the playoffs.

[[[He stepped out the side door against Orlando.]]]


Are you ready for this? Because this is going to destroy your 'attempt' at making some sort of ridiculous point about doubting the greatness of LeBron James.

Having only 3 years of NBA experience LeBron James got to the NBA finals with the following starting lineup:

C Zydrunas Ilgauskas
PF Drew Gooden
SF LeBron James
SG Sasha Pavlovic
PG Larry Hughes (yes, Larry Hughes starting at point guard in the NBA Finals)
^- Worst backcourt in NBA Finals history??

[[[Getting to the NBA Finals is a means to an end. Nothing more. If one does not grant that particular end they're no better than the other 29 teams.]]]

[KSeal]

@Culburn -- You must be a troll, because nothing you are saying holds any weight and half of it doesn't even make sense.

:lmao You're just now figuring out this guy is just trolling you.

[Culburn369]

@Culburn -- You must be a troll, because nothing you are saying holds any weight and half of it doesn't even make sense.

I can exist in both worlds (poster or troll). In answering your considered post of assessments I was being a poster. But, like most Spurs fandom you read a stat sheet and get all excited and off a tangent you go.

Just because Williams fills a stat sheet and Perkins does not has nothing to do with their talent level.

You're commanded by symbolism over substance. Ain't nothing gonna change that.

[Culburn369]

Any way you want to look at it, Mo Williams is a better player than Perkins. Stats, whatever.

Perkins plays good post D and rebounds well. Great. Mo Williams is an all-star.

You're wrong, but, it what it is. Knock yerself out. You'll learn.

[bostonguy]

Any way you want to look at it, Mo Williams is a better player than Perkins. Stats, whatever.

Perkins plays good post D and rebounds well. Great. Mo Williams is an all-star due to injuries.

Fixed

[bostonguy]

Probably like 20 big men in the East could get injured and Perkins still wouldn't be one.

I never claimed Perkins was an all star. He is a good solid role player who can defend and finish at the rim. That is who he is and who he will always be.

[j-money24]

According to sources close to the Lakers' organization, Pat Riley and Dwyane Wade from the Miami Heat formally met with Lamar Odom this afternoon to discuss their contract offer of 5 years, $34 million at the MLE. The result of their meeting was that Odom ultimately said he appreciated their offer but that he would have to decline. He reiterated his love for the city of Miami for giving him a home, and to Riley for giving him his first big contract (of which he is currently coming off of).

However, he felt his best chance to win another NBA championship would be with the Lakers, and that he felt he owed it to the city of Los Angeles to come back for another title run. Odom plans on meeting with Lakers' owner Jerry Buss later this week to finalize contract details. More to come later.

http://lakersguy.blogspot.com/

[KSeal]

Well back on topic, it appears Lamar is leaving. It comes out he's leaning towards the Heat, then D Wade and Riles fly to LA to have a meeting with him this afternoon, then it comes out he'll announce his decision in the next day or so, then LO starts twittering like crazy for the first time in like three weeks. I'm connecting the dots and saying Lamar signed with the Heat this afternoon. Time for everyone to start writing off LA, can't wait for next season.

[KSeal]

According to sources close to the Lakers' organization, Pat Riley and Dwyane Wade from the Miami Heat formally met with Lamar Odom this afternoon to discuss their contract offer of 5 years, $34 million at the MLE. The result of their meeting was that Odom ultimately said he appreciated their offer but that he would have to decline. He reiterated his love for the city of Miami for giving him a home, and to Riley for giving him his first big contract (of which he is currently coming off of).

However, he felt his best chance to win another NBA championship would be with the Lakers, and that he felt he owed it to the city of Los Angeles to come back for another title run. Odom plans on meeting with Lakers' owner Jerry Buss later this week to finalize contract details. More to come later.

http://lakersguy.blogspot.com/

That guys is completely bullshitting.

[Thompson]

Well back on topic, it appears Lamar is leaving. It comes out he's leaning towards the Heat, then D Wade and Riles fly to LA to have a meeting with him this afternoon, then it comes out he'll announce his decision in the next day or so, then LO starts twittering like crazy for the first time in like three weeks. I'm connecting the dots and saying Lamar signed with the Heat this afternoon. Time for everyone to start writing off LA, can't wait for next season.

Are you being sarcastic, or do you really think he's leaving L.A.? What is he twittering?

[jag]

And if the Spurs didn't tank they wouldn't have Duncan or 4 championships.

You just look like sour grapes everytime you bring it up.

:lol Once Rob went down the star of that team was Sean Elliott.

Good call.

[KSeal]

Are you being sarcastic, or do you really think he's leaving L.A.? What is he twittering?

Not being sarcastic at all, I think he's headed to Miami.

[Culburn369]

The second most enjoyable thing all last season was seeing Mo get that nice bright shiner in the playoffs.

gd rights, Luva. Yep, Mo thought he'd have it on Easy Street. He found out different. Big talker.

[Kindergarten Cop]

Are you being sarcastic, or do you really think he's leaving L.A.? What is he twittering?


I believe that the actual term for using Twitter is Tweeting, but I've heard people use Twittering as well. Here is the link to Odom's Twitter page, but he stated in one post "Can't really tweet about work, but how is everyone doing otherwise??" so I don't think he is going to break any news on Twitter any time soon.

http://twitter.com/ReaLLamarOdom

[Dunc n Dave]

:lol Once Rob went down the star of that team was Sean Elliott.

Good call.

Until Elliott got injured too, then we were relying on a washed up Dominique Wilkins who was fresh off of playing a season in Europe the year before.

Yeah, what a tank job when your All Star center gets injured, not once, but twice (missed 18 games for his back, then the rest of the season with the foot) and your former All Star forward has season ending surgery. See below...

http://www.nba.com/playerfile/sean_elliott/bio.html

Elliott was bothered throughout the 1996-97 season by chronic tendinitis in his right quadriceps, finally undergoing surgery on February 18 and missing the remainder of the year. He played in just 39 games, averaging 14.9 ppg. The following season was just as troublesome -- he played in just 36 games, averaging 9.3 ppg, and did not play after January 21 following surgery to repair his left quadriceps tendon. He bounced back to start all 50 games in 1998-99, helping the Spurs win their first NBA title by averaging 11.2 points per game, third on the team.

Look at the Spurs roster that year. WHo else was gonna win games for them with Robinson and Elliott out? Not to mention Chuck Person was on the payroll, yet didn't play a single game all season, due to a freak back injury on the team plane the previous year. In fact, the top 4 highest paid players on the team (DRob, Elliott, Smith, Person) played a combined total of 64 games.

Wilkins
Robinson injured, played 6 games
Elliott -injured, played 39 games
Vernon Maxwell
Avery Johnson
Vinny Del Negro
Monty Williams
Will Perdue
Carl Herrera
Cory Alexander
Charles Smith -injured, played 19 games
Gaylon Nickerson
Greg "Cadillac" Anderson
Jamie Feick
Chuck Person - injured, played ZERO games

Take the 4 highest paid players off of any team, and see what their record would be?

[MarHill]

I just created a thread in the Spurs forum at some weak-minded Spurs fans wanting and wishing (even praying) Odom would go to the Heat.

I want him to stay a Laker. I don't want any excuses (from either side) when the Spurs beat the Lakers in the playoffs.

[KSeal]

I just created a thread in the Spurs forum at some weak-minded Spurs fans wanting and wishing (even praying) Odom would go to the Heat.

I want him to stay a Laker. I don't want any excuses (from either side) when the Spurs beat the Lakers in the playoffs.

Good luck beating LA, Lamar or not.

[Thompson]

I want him to stay a Laker. I don't want any excuses (from either side) when the Spurs beat the Lakers in the playoffs.

Are they replacing the refs with error-proof robots? There will always be excuses.

[MarHill]

Good luck beating LA, Lamar or not.

May the best team win!!

That doesn't scare me as a fan!!

Sorry.....I want L.A. to keep Odom!!

[MarHill]

If the Lakeshow lose LO, we still beat the Spurs in 5-6 games tops.


We will see.....

I could make the arguement...the Spurs can beat the Lakers in 6 games next season as well.

Let's get it on!!!

[Spursfan092120]

Well back on topic, it appears Lamar is leaving. It comes out he's leaning towards the Heat, then D Wade and Riles fly to LA to have a meeting with him this afternoon, then it comes out he'll announce his decision in the next day or so, then LO starts twittering like crazy for the first time in like three weeks. I'm connecting the dots and saying Lamar signed with the Heat this afternoon. Time for everyone to start writing off LA, can't wait for next season.
Bro..no matter what happens, LA cannot be written off..they're still damn good.

[spursfaninla]

lakaluva doesn't make actual arguments usually-he just makes conclusory statements backed up with, well, nothing.

What more should we expect from a guy who showed up the year after the Lakers get to the finals?...like the smug little band-wangoning, front-running, low-class laker fan that he is.

What is new?

[Baseline]

Laker fans just don't know basketball. It's amazing. I've lived in LA for ten years, and I've met maybe three people who actually know the game. These people actually think the best basketball conference in the country is the freaking PAC-10. Seriously - they'll tell you that with a straight face.

I grew up in North Carolina and went to an ACC university (WFU), and I can safely say that the average man on the street in ACC country has forgotten more hoop than anybody in LA will ever know.

So it's no wonder that many are saying they won't miss Odom. Well folks, I'm here to tell you, you will. If you think you're crying now if he goes to Miami, wait 'til the season starts.

[DPG21920]

The gasol deal was seen as such a bad deal by the rest of the league, but if you look at trades this last offseason the paramters are very much the same. The lakers were simply ahead of the curve, and got into the salary dump sweepstakes before other teams could.

That does not make sense because they just traded for a worse version of him that makes just as much money in Randolph.

[duncan228]

...went to an ACC university (WFU)

What years were you there?

[Duncan2177]

If the Lakeshow lose LO, we still beat the Spurs in 5-6 games tops.

Dream on buddy.

[daslicer]

Laker fans just don't know basketball. It's amazing. I've lived in LA for ten years, and I've met maybe three people who actually know the game. These people actually think the best basketball conference in the country is the freaking PAC-10. Seriously - they'll tell you that with a straight face.

I grew up in North Carolina and went to an ACC university (WFU), and I can safely say that the average man on the street in ACC country has forgotten more hoop than anybody in LA will ever know.

So it's no wonder that many are saying they won't miss Odom. Well folks, I'm here to tell you, you will. If you think you're crying now if he goes to Miami, wait 'til the season starts.

Baseline thats cool you went to WFU an acc school. I actually wnet to NC.State graduated a few years ago and yes I do agree more people in ACC country know more about hoops than the average bandwagon fan in LA. Just curious where do you live now?

[Banzai]

Odom will be a Heat be tomorrow afternoon. Oh well...more playing time for Powell/Mbenga/ and Candace Parkers husband rofl....

[Jacob1983]

Odom's kind of being a baby over this whole thing. Make up your damn mind. Pick a team and sign with them.

[Dunc n Dave]

Odom's kind of being a baby over this whole thing. Make up your damn mind. Pick a team and sign with them.

He's not being a baby, he's being smart. Buss wants to play hardball, so Odom is stickin it to him by waiting until the free agent well dries up before flying the coop for Miami. All the while, the Laker FO holds their breath like a child throwing a temper tantrum waiting for him to decide. That way, he screws the Lakers over DOUBLE.

No Odom for L.A... AND slim pickins when it comes to FA post players to replace him with.

Goota hand it to him....

[tlongII]

We'll beat the Lakers regardless of whether they have Odom or not...

It will be easier if he leaves, but it still won't make any difference as far as the end result goes...

[Baseline]

Duncann228 and DaSlicer, I graduated from WFU in '87, so I'm older than I'd like to admit. Live in LA now and miss ACC ball something fierce.

I was around Winston, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill during a great time span for hoop, so I got to play in various pickup, scrimmages, and touring games with guys like Muggsy Bogues, Kenny Green, and Delaney Rudd at Wake...Curtis Hunter, Kenny Smith, Sam Perkins, and Jordan at UNC, to Del Negro, Spud Webb, Nate McMillan, and Cozell McQueen at NCSU. I didn't think much about it at the time because it was just another day and another game. But looking back on it, those names became significant players.

The coolest pickup game I was ever in was at Granville Towers on the blacktop one Saturday afternoon. Granville is where the UNC players lived, and there was a court in the middle of the dorms there in the parking lot. I was just shooting with another dude, and a car drove up. Curtis Hunter got out with Kenny Smith. So they came over and we start playing 21. Then another car drove up and Sam Perkins folded out. So he came over, and we need one more for three on three. Then a few minutes later Jordan came up in another car. By that time, a crowd had gathered around, but it was getting a little dark. There were some crappy lights, but people pointed their car lights toward the court, and we played for almost three hours. There had to be 300 people watching by the time we stopped. Good times.

It was strange - the game was played a little differently at each school. At Wake, you pop out on the wing for jumper and Muggs hits you in the chest with it, in rhythm, and tells you to let it fly. At UNC, you pop out on the wing and they look at you like you're nuts...they wait for you to make another cut and go backdoor for a layup. At NC State, you pop out on the wing, they give it to you, but they expect you to make a one-on-one move with it rather than shoot the 19-footer. It was interesting seeing the differences.

[KSeal]

We'll beat the Lakers regardless of whether they have Odom or not...

It will be easier if he leaves, but it still won't make any difference as far as the end result goes...

Just like how the Blazers were knocking off the Lakers in 09. Which they in turn lost in the first round and the Lakers became the champs. Oddly I see the same thing happening all over again.

[mytespurs]

Well back on topic, it appears Lamar is leaving. It comes out he's leaning towards the Heat, then D Wade and Riles fly to LA to have a meeting with him this afternoon, then it comes out he'll announce his decision in the next day or so, then LO starts twittering like crazy for the first time in like three weeks. I'm connecting the dots and saying Lamar signed with the Heat this afternoon. Time for everyone to start writing off LA, can't wait for next season.

Don't start playing "we're underdogs and get no respect card just yet. :)

Losing Odom would hurt but most of the experts and talking heads would still put the Lakers as favorites though some would jump on the Spurs or Nuggets bandwagon. I think the only difference is that LA would fall almost into the pack with the other top teams in the west. But they would stilll be considered the frontrunner.

[duncan228]

Cool story Baseline. That must have been some game. Thanks for sharing.

[Dunc n Dave]

Duncann228 and DaSlicer, I graduated from WFU in '87, so I'm older than I'd like to admit. Live in LA now and miss ACC ball something fierce.

I was around Winston, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill during a great time span for hoop, so I got to play in various pickup, scrimmages, and touring games with guys like Muggsy Bogues, Kenny Green, and Delaney Rudd at Wake...Curtis Hunter, Kenny Smith, Sam Perkins, and Jordan at UNC, to Del Negro, Spud Webb, Nate McMillan, and Cozell McQueen at NCSU. I didn't think much about it at the time because it was just another day and another game. But looking back on it, those names became significant players.

The coolest pickup game I was ever in was at Granville Towers on the blacktop one Saturday afternoon. Granville is where the UNC players lived, and there was a court in the middle of the dorms there in the parking lot. I was just shooting with another dude, and a car drove up. Curtis Hunter got out with Kenny Smith. So they came over and we start playing 21. Then another car drove up and Sam Perkins folded out. So he came over, and we need one more for three on three. Then a few minutes later Jordan came up in another car. By that time, a crowd had gathered around, but it was getting a little dark. There were some crappy lights, but people pointed their car lights toward the court, and we played for almost three hours. There had to be 300 people watching by the time we stopped. Good times.

It was strange - the game was played a little differently at each school. At Wake, you pop out on the wing for jumper and Muggs hits you in the chest with it, in rhythm, and tells you to let it fly. At UNC, you pop out on the wing and they look at you like you're nuts...they wait for you to make another cut and go backdoor for a layup. At NC State, you pop out on the wing, they give it to you, but they expect you to make a one-on-one move with it rather than shoot the 19-footer. It was interesting seeing the differences.

Awesome stories. Kinda makes me feel lame when the only guy I've played against is Jeff Foster when he was at Southwest Texas State (now known as Texas State University). He kicked my team's butt obviously, but he was the biggest crybaby I've ever seen for someone who's supposed to be such a good player. Constantly bitchin at the other guys for not passing him the ball or turning it over...

Out of curiousity, whose team were you on in that 3 on 3 game and who won?

[NBA Junkie]

Lamar was smart in turning down the Lakers offer of 9 million per season--an inconsistent player of his caliber isn't worth that type of dough.

A midlevel contract from Miami is exactly what he deserves.

A completely overvalued player, IMO!!!

[Kobe™]

http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo95/bleedlakerspng/Lakers/KendraLamarOdom.jpg

[Lars]

I really need that jacket...and some fruit striped gum.

[Baseline]

Awesome stories. Kinda makes me feel lame when the only guy I've played against is Jeff Foster when he was at Southwest Texas State (now known as Texas State University). He kicked my team's butt obviously, but he was the biggest crybaby I've ever seen for someone who's supposed to be such a good player. Constantly bitchin at the other guys for not passing him the ball or turning it over...

Out of curiousity, whose team were you on in that 3 on 3 game and who won?

I was with Curtis Hunter and Sam Perkins. Kenny and MJ were on the other team. Both teams won certain games, but the more people who gathered around to watch, the louder and more surreal it got, so we just kept playing. The first couple of games were just messing around, then people started watching, and the boys got serious. I was playing without my ankles taped, so I kept praying I wouldn't roll one and have to sit out. The guys were loving it because there were tons of girls watching. Curtis and MJ trying to outdo each other, lot of talking going on. People forget about him, but Curtis could really play. A lot of very nice looking girls lived at Granville. If you've never been to Chapel Hill, there's some serious eye candy there. In fact, my girlfriend lived at Granville and knew MJ and a couple of the players a little bit. Also because they hung out at a place called Purdy's, kind of a dance club. This is in the 80's, remember, when dance clubs and funk music was in its heyday. So it was fun. By the time Jordan was a sophomore, he was a for real star, so when he walked out on the dance floor, people just flocked out there. Girls loved Curtis, and Sam was super-chilled, so he was fun. And Kenny was always talking, always smiling, always bustin on somebody. Chapel Hill for the most part is an equal opportunity party town, so you could talk to the players when they were out - they weren't bigheaded idiots like the Duke players were. Like when Rick Fox got there, oh my goodness. Girls would lose their minds over that dude. Believe me, by the time Rick Fox hit LA, he had plenty of practice.

But back to the point of the discussion, Lamar does so many things on the court that are HUGE problems for the opposing team, there is simply no way the Lakers can fill that void, no matter how much Laker fans try to convince themselves otherwise. The dude is 6' 10" and long even at that height, but can still put it on the floor and get past you. He's a better playmaker than he's given credit for because he has a ballhog on his team who rarely gives it up. Think about it - the Spurs haven't had a guy who can guard Lamar since he go to LA. That's the truth.

I agree that Lamar tends to be inconsistent, but my argument to that is that if you have a teammate like Bryant, it's hard to get in rhythm every night, especially off the bench. Secondly, Lamar always rebounds and defends - he just doesn't always score. And when he's on, the Lakers rarely lose. So the Lamar criticism to me is a joke. He's a unique talent in this league, and in my mind an indispensible part of the Lakers. So if people think Artest is going to replace Odom, wow...sadly mistaken.

[DPG21920]

Wade's Twitter:

http://twitter.com/DWadeOFFICIAL


http://twitpic.com/bx8ft the beginning..look who's jersey is waitn for them in mia(no 7)

[KSeal]

lol spurfan

[Brazil]

well it was not today the end of lamar soap opera?

[Culburn369]

well it was not today the end of lamar soap opera?

They said 24-48 hours yesterday (Monday). So tomorrow is it.

I can feel it. It's been too quiet today. Probably before Noon PDT.

[Summers]

Man, I don't even care where he ends up and I'm getting annoyed it's taking so long.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Odom, Schwartz to Meet with Buss Tomorrow Morning
Sources from the Lakers' organization have informed that Lamar Odom and his agent, Jeff Schwartz, will be meeting with Lakers' owner Jerry Buss on Wednesday morning. The issue at hand will be whether Dr. Buss has agreed to either a) add a 4th guaranteed year to the current offer, or b) revive the original offer of 3 years, $30 million guaranteed. I am being told that if Buss agrees to either of these 2 things, Odom will sign the contract there and then. If not, negotations may be further prolonged until an agreement is reached. Stay tuned tomorrow for updates.

http://lakersguy.blogspot.com/

Taken from RealGM

[spursreport]

Son of a bitch. Odom is fucking with Miami. Damn it! He is staying a laker. I just know it. :depressed

[Wombatzu]

Son of a bitch. Odom is fucking with Miami. Damn it! He is staying a laker. I just know it. :depressed

sounds like if Buss caves, Odom will be a Laker tomorrow... if Buss doesn't cave, i bet Odom is a Heat by the end of the week.

[benefactor]

Meh...RealGM cited that other source that turned out to be garbage too. AW on Yahoo or I'm not buying.

[The Franchise]

I can't believe that this thread is so damn large over a will he or won't he situation. :lol

[Culburn369]

It's almost as if Buss really doesn't want him back and Odom won't take the insult as it's been intended.

Buss got away with it with Ariza, but, Odom is being obstinate.

[21_Blessings]

Meh...RealGM cited that other source that turned out to be garbage too. AW on Yahoo or I'm not buying.

AW has been reporting whatever shit posturing Odom's agent feeds him.

[benefactor]

AW has been reporting whatever shit posturing Odom's agent feeds him.
He has broke more than a few stories that turned out to be credible...so I'll take it when he says it.

[Culburn369]

Meh...RealGM cited that other source that turned out to be garbage too. AW on Yahoo or I'm not buying.

Hey, bene, who is "AW on Yahoo?"

[kwamay_brown54]

I can't believe that this thread is so damn large over a will he or won't he situation. :lol


To the insecure little bitch spurs fans, this is a basically a FA signing for their team in a fucked up way. If lamar goes to the HEAT its as if he has signed with the SPURS in their train of thought, because it is weakening the Lakers. So you can see why they have such a vested interest in a player that has nothing to do with their team.

[mytespurs]

To the insecure little bitch spurs fans, this is a basically a FA signing for their team in a fucked up way. If lamar goes to the HEAT its as if he has signed with the SPURS in their train of thought, because it is weakening the Lakers. So you can see why they have such a vested interest in a player that has nothing to do with their team.

Well, speaking as one of the non "insecure little bitch spurs fans", I sort of share your sentimentbut perhaps not as blunt. Frankly, Lamar's remaining or leaving the Spurs will have no bearing on how the Spurs perform and how they finish.

I think Lamar will be a Laker in the end. Good for him, good for the Lakers....could care less either way. My one and only concern is the Spurs.
Lakers are the favorite as it should be but I like what the Spurs done this offseason. Let's see if it comes together......

[Thompson]

Hey, bene, who is "AW on Yahoo?"

I think he's referring to Adrian Wojnarowski.

[Wombatzu]

To the insecure little bitch spurs fans, this is a basically a FA signing for their team in a fucked up way. If lamar goes to the HEAT its as if he has signed with the SPURS in their train of thought, because it is weakening the Lakers. So you can see why they have such a vested interest in a player that has nothing to do with their team.

sounds like you're the one that's insecure...

me personally, i'll just find it pretty mind-blowing if the Lakers end up letting Ariza and Odom go and replace them with Ron Artest. that would have to be one of the worst post-championship off-seasons in quite a while.

[Banzai]

He will still hasn't made up his mind? Guess I was wrong.

[KSeal]

Son of a bitch. Odom is fucking with Miami. Damn it! He is staying a laker. I just know it. :depressed

That is such a 100% bullshit source. Just a random dude who started writing blogs like a week ago. I wish what he said was true though.

[kwamay_brown54]

sounds like you're the one that's insecure...

me personally, i'll just find it pretty mind-blowing if the Lakers end up letting Ariza and Odom go and replace them with Ron Artest. that would have to be one of the worst post-championship off-seasons in quite a while.

Not when your payroll is already committed to $84 million in guaranteed salaries. Buss is not made of money like Cuban and Prichtard, he has his limits as well. This LO decision was pretty much made when they decided to extend Bynum last year, they knew this scenario would come up. At some point, the Lakers just looked at the money, and couldn't justify it, as fans I'm sure they can't understand because its not their money. I respect Dr. Buss, and even if they did sign odom, nothing is guaranteed in this league anyways.

[iggypop123]

damn the halladay rumors cliff lee, odom. damn my mind can only take so much

[IronMexican]

damn the halladay rumors cliff lee, odom. damn my mind can only take so much

I'd take Lee on the Dodgers.

[benefactor]

I think he's referring to Adrian Wojnarowski.
:tu

[ElNono]

This guy STILL doesn't have a team? I wish both the Heat and the Lakers would take away their offers, and this fucker ends up playing in Charlotte for the vet's minimum.

[in2deep]

for the vet min?????? I'd take him on the Spurs, he can replace Bonner

[Culburn369]

for the vet min?????? I'd take him on the Spurs, he can replace Bonner

Can ya imagine it? This site would go ballistic:

- "I don't care. I really don't. I don't care. I'm glad. I'm really glad."

- Luva

-------

- "Since this happened I'm taking Culburn off ignore. I want to hear him squeal like a pig."

- Mr. Body

------

- "I wonder what Odom looks like nude?"

- Dunc

------

- "E=Mc2"

- me

[Dunc n Dave]

Can ya imagine it? This site would go ballistic:

- "I don't care. I really don't. I don't care. I'm glad. I'm really glad."

- Luva

-------

- "Since this happened I'm taking Culburn off ignore. I want to hear him squeal like a pig."

- Mr. Body

------

- "I wonder what Odom looks like nude?"

- Dunc

------

- "E=Mc2"

- me


:rollin Way to go genius!
Good thing we didn't let you write the mass-energy equivalence theory.

E=mc2 ? SO you're saying Energy= mass X speed of light X 2?
You sure it isn't: http://images0.cafepress.com/product/23378280v6_350x350_Front.jpg



Ah Culburn, you never fail in making yourself look dumb while trying so hard to make yourself look smart!:lol

[rjv]

this really has reached who cares proportions? (other than lakers or heat fan that is).

[z0sa]

odom isn't even that great of a player. He's just one of those irreplaceable #3 types. He can't help lead the team to victory morally, but will gladly fulfill a large role

[DPG21920]

Supposedly we are supposed to hear a decision today correct?

[DAF86]

What do you think about this?

http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_basketball_heat/2009/07/a-logical-endgame-udonis-for-lamar.html

[Spursmania]

I just want this to end. It's so damn old...
Odom needs to make up his mind and move on.:frying:

[bostonguy]

Um I thought Odom should have made a decision by now. Monday around this time it said 24-48 hours.

[benefactor]

What do you think about this?

http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_basketball_heat/2009/07/a-logical-endgame-udonis-for-lamar.html
At this point that looks pretty good for both teams. It's far better than letting Odom walk for nothing and Haslem's deal expires after this season. I'm not sure why it has not been discussed by either team as an option yet.

[Morg1411]

At this point that looks pretty good for both teams. It's far better than letting Odom walk for nothing and Haslem's deal expires after this season. I'm not sure why it has not been discussed by either team as an option yet.

That looks like a sweet deal for both sides.

[TheProfessor]

What do you think about this?

http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_basketball_heat/2009/07/a-logical-endgame-udonis-for-lamar.html
It makes sense, and therefore will not happen.

[Mr. Body]

Why would LA want to take on salary like that? They'd have to pay Haslem's salary double.

[Culburn369]

Body with his first salient post. Bout time, buster.

[DPG21920]

Why would LA want to take on salary like that? They'd have to pay Haslem's salary double.

The problem is not the salary for this year, it was for 4 or 5 years down the road. LA was willing to take on that salary for one year with Lamar and Haslem would be a nice replacement for one year and he would be off of the books next season.

If the Lakers let Lamar go, and do not do a sign and trade, they will have only the league minimum to fill the void this year. If they take Haslem, they get a good replacement, and next season can have the MLE to fill the need.

[duncan228]

"Both teams are hopeful of a decision from Odom within the next few days, according to multiple sources."

Pursuit of Lamar Odom puts Riley's negotiation skills to test (http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/basketball/story/1161169.html)
Lamar Odom is expected to make a decision about his future in a few days, and the Miami Heat's Pat Riley and Dwyane Wade apparently still are lobbying hard.
By Michael Wallace
MiamiHerald.com

As the story goes, team president Pat Riley was in a room a few months back with dozens of Miami Heat fans on the verge of canceling their season tickets.

The reasons they gave ranged from having to make sacrifices in a slumping economy to the Heat's gradual drop off since the team won its lone NBA title in 2006.

Riley listened to each concern, rubbed his chin and launched his best sales pitch.

"I had an opportunity to speak with three groups that were on the fence for a number of reasons -- the economy, the product, the price,'' Riley said as he recalled the impact of his message. "And they all renewed. So just get in a room and let me talk.''

If only things were that simple with the team's ongoing efforts to recruit free agent forward Lamar Odom.

After moving into striking distance of acquiring its top free agent target, the Heat continued Tuesday to play the waiting game for Odom, who is grappling with a decision to sign with Miami or return to the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers.

Both teams are hopeful of a decision from Odom within the next few days, according to multiple sources.

Riley and Heat guard Dwyane Wade were in Los Angeles over the weekend for business and personal reasons, but also presumably to further entice Odom to accept the full midlevel contract of up to $34 million over five seasons.

A Los Angeles TV station reported that Riley and Wade were scheduled to meet with Odom and his agent Monday night. A Heat spokesman Tuesday would neither confirm nor deny the station's report.

Odom and Wade have been close friends since they played together on the Heat's 2003-04 team. Odom was traded to the Lakers after that season in a deal that delivered Shaquille O'Neal -- and, eventually, a title -- to Miami.

Wade has used his Twitter account to send messages about his desire to reunite with Odom. After sending a message Saturday that said he was in Los Angeles to bring Odom back to Miami, Wade sent another tweet Tuesday to say he was moving on to Portland for an endorsement meeting with Nike.

Several Internet and print reports outlets have speculated that Odom and agent Jeff Schwartz are using the Heat's interest as leverage to get a better deal from the Lakers.

According to reports, the Lakers initially offered Odom deals spanning three to four seasons worth between $27 millions and $36 million -- or about $9 million per season. But Lakers owner Jerry Buss pulled the offers after he learned that Odom was negotiating with the Heat. Talks between Odom and the Lakers reportedly resumed last week amid reports that Buss had decreased the offer by $4 million to $6 million overall.

Any deal with the Lakers is still believed to be more lucrative annually than the $5.85 million first-year salary Odom could get from the Heat. Miami is limited to only the midlevel because the team is well above the NBA salary cap and slightly above the $69.9 million luxury tax on excessive payrolls.

The Heat is hoping that Florida's income tax break -- which could add about $1 million a season to Odom's take-home pay -- and an early opt-out clause would close some of the gap.

Neither Odom, Schwartz nor Riley have returned repeated phone calls since the Heat first confirmed interest in Odom three weeks ago amid Wade's public questioning of his team's roster and ability to contend in the Eastern Conference.

An Odom addition would be the Heat's answer to splashy moves by Cleveland (O'Neal), Boston (Rasheed Wallace), Orlando (Vince Carter) and Atlanta (Jamal Crawford) -- teams that finished ahead of Miami last season.

Riley said in June that the team's priority was to protect its salary cap space in 2010 and that he likely wouldn't use the team's numerous exceptions on contracts that would extend beyond the 2009-10 season.

But that plan evidently was altered after Wade, who is eligible for a three-year contract extension and could become an unrestricted free agent next summer, said he would hold off on a commitment until upgrades were made.

Odom, a 6-10 forward who can play all five positions, has averaged 15.1 points and 8.8 rebounds in 10 seasons. He was instrumental in the Lakers' playoff run and was expected to return after he helped the team win its 15th NBA title.

But an early-season demotion to the bench combined with the current contract dispute may have placed discouraging bookends to an otherwise solid run for Odom in Los Angeles.

The Heat also has been linked with vary levels of interest to free agent guard Allen Iverson and disgruntled Utah Jazz forward Carlos Boozer.

But if the Heat fails to land Odom, it is unclear if Riley will continue to pursue major moves this offseason or fall back to his initial plan for an overhaul next summer.

"I think he sees what we're doing, understands what we're trying to do,'' Riley said of Wade. "He knows that we're not just trying to build a team around him, but a team to win.''

[jack sommerset]

Odom would be nice but they got Artest. The own the West.

[kwamay_brown54]

The problem is not the salary for this year, it was for 4 or 5 years down the road. LA was willing to take on that salary for one year with Lamar and Haslem would be a nice replacement for one year and he would be off of the books next season.

If the Lakers let Lamar go, and do not do a sign and trade, they will have only the league minimum to fill the void this year. If they take Haslem, they get a good replacement, and next season can have the MLE to fill the need.

Keep dreaming spurs fans, the lakers would much rather fuck Lamar over if he decides he wants a sign and trade. The Lakers will absolutely let him walk and sign the MLE to Miami, he aint sniffing 9million+ on any other team other than the lakeshow. He wants that beautiful MLE, go ahead and take it lakers aren't adding on additonal salary if you listened to Mitch. Odom has two choices and nothing more, the Lakers will under no circumstances agree to a S&T period.

[Culburn369]

Buss would never utter "uncle" like that. And I don't blame him. I don't want Haslem.

If Odom goes take a couple months and see if anyone on the roster steps up. If that fails, or, even if don't address the vacancy at the trade deadline. There's gonna be a lot of blue chip talent come early January.

[DPG21920]

Keep dreaming spurs fans, the lakers would much rather fuck Lamar over if he decides he wants a sign and trade. The Lakers will absolutely let him walk and sign the MLE to Miami, he aint sniffing 9million+ on any other team other than the lakeshow. He wants that beautiful MLE, go ahead and take it lakers aren't adding on additonal salary if you listened to Mitch. Odom has two choices and nothing more, the Lakers will under no circumstances agree to a S&T period.

That makes no sense. If the Lakers offered Lamar 9M per year (3 years @ 27M) then why would they take issue with getting Haslem at 7M for only one year?

The Lakers do not want to give Odom the 5th year. You may be right saying they would rather make Odom take a MLE offer rather than see him make 9M per year via S&T, but that does not mean it does not logically make sense.

[MiamiHeat]

Time to burn Odoms jersey. Fuck you Odom. I fucking hate you for dragging this shit out and I fucking hate you for leaving. I wish you the worst in Miami. I am going to boo the living fuck out of you when you come back to LA you piece of shit.

you are a crappy fan. Odom is a starter on most any team. He is a 20/9/6 player, but he came off the bench and only took 3-5 shots per game so Kobe could go out there and shoot 25 shots per game at a crappy percentage and win a championship.

[Culburn369]

but he came off the bench and only took 3-5 shots per game so Kobe could go out there and shoot 25 shots per game at a crappy percentage and win a championship.

& it finally worked for the first time since Odom arrived in Los Angeles. Kobe had always attempted 25 shots per game at a crappy %. That wasn't the problem. The problem had always been Odom. Until the '09 playoffs he couldn't find his ass with both hands and we'd suffered accordingly. $'s to O's whether he signs in CA. or FL. his ass will be MIA once again.

[kwamay_brown54]

& it finally worked for the first time since Odom arrived in Los Angeles. Kobe had always attempted 25 shots per game at a crappy %. That wasn't the problem. The problem had always been Odom. Until the '09 playoffs he couldn't find his ass with both hands and we'd suffered accordingly. $'s to O's whether he signs in CA. or FL. his ass will be MIA once again.


Why do people obsess with Kobe's shooting percentage and think that is his only impact on the floor? The stats are deceiving you, because part of being a #1 option is to bait the defense into overloading their coverage to your side of the floor. So how can Kobe effectively bait defenses on just 15 shot attempts?

[2Cleva]

LO played his best because LA didn't have to lean on him.

Not counted on anything but rebounding freed him up to do it all because he wasn't the primary person to do anything. Jack of all trades, master of none.

Does he return to LA? I doubt even he knows right now.

It makes sense for him to hold out for more money. It makes sense for LA not to break the bank for him as well.

[Culburn369]

Why do people obsess with Kobe's shooting percentage and think that is his only impact on the floor?

Envy, jealousy & spite.

[Culburn369]

LO played his best because LA didn't have to lean on him.

Well, for Christ sakes, he's a grown man. It's not a gd game. What we can't trust Odom unless we don't need to trust Odom and then we can trust Odom?

Hey, Cleva, will suffer Odom, just don't say out loud how it is.

[anonoftheinternets]

Why do people obsess with Kobe's shooting percentage and think that is his only impact on the floor? The stats are deceiving you, because part of being a #1 option is to bait the defense into overloading their coverage to your side of the floor. So how can Kobe effectively bait defenses on just 15 shot attempts?

same thing as AI...put kobe in AI's shoes .. and he would be the outcast right now ....

cept kobe has a GREAT work ethic ..i think thats what saved him from the media ..