Why isn't anybody talking about Lamar Odom?

[ElNono]

That's because most Spur fans still view the world through their Laker hater glasses. They are unable to separate themselves from their hatred of all things Lakers.

Odom would be an amazing fit on the Spurs. A lot of what Odom does doesn't show up on the stat sheets. He is a glue guy that really excels when he is playing amongst other stars. He's the ultimate team player and worlds better than anyone else you have at PF (not counting Duncan).

The Spur's FO would be ting bricks if they could acquire Odom.

Just terrible Odom.

You are pathetic.

[pad300]

Yeah, Odom's about as perfect a fit beside TD as there is in the NBA. I have advocated talking to him before. While he'd be very difficult to get away from the Lakers, I'd be phoning him a midnight +1 minute on July 1st. If only to convince him not to sell himself short in negotiations with the Lakers. At least make them pay what he's worth.

As it is, the Lakers tax situation may result in him leaving. Given the players to available salary situation, somebody is going to get the short end of the stick, and it may be Odom.

Also, I'm not absolutely sold he is the happiest player in LA. While he's been a good player, and one who's sacrificed for the team (for example, he prefers to start, but went to the bench w/o complaining until Bynum got hurt), I'm not sure A) his personality gets along all that well with Kobe (Kobe really does seem like a driven head from the outside at least) and B) that he doesn't have a few issues (eg. Starting). If he's going to be stuck with the MLE, he might well want a situation where he starts, etc.

[Spursmania]

Didn't anyone see ESPN first take this am? They commented that they didn't think Odom would be a likely return to LA because of his price and other teams are very interested in him. Some Laker fans who were so sure Buss would pay whatever it takes to sign all three may very well be eating crow soon.

Although, I find it hard to believe that they wouldn't re-sign Odom, but stranger things have happend.

[2Cleva]

His personal net worth is meaningless. What matters is the teams financial situation. In 2008, Forbes reported the Lakers had over $191 mil in revenue and about $48 mil in operating income. That was with a payroll of $78 mil.

That means they can increase payroll to a little over $100 mil WITHOUT POSTING A LOSS. Note, that's actual payroll, including the luxary tax, you're looking at roughly $125 mil without worries.

So no, the Lakers paying $110 mil would not be that big of a deal. They'd still post positive gains...

Quality post.

Also note that LA made $4 mil per home playoff game this season. That's an extra $48 mil there. And they just got a big local TV contract that kicked in this year. The franchise continues to make money.

Finances won't be the issue with Ariza or LO unless a team makes them an offer they can't refuse and the MLE ain't it.

[D-ROB 50]

Remeber, with the addition of RJ and Manus health getting better Odom would not be required to carry much offense load, thus allowing him to concentrate on defense and rebounding which he can do effectivley. If big If he would play for the MLE he would be at the top of my list. Pretty much he would give you what sheed would minus some years and at ude.

[50 cent]

Well, if it's not us, I hope somebody makes him a ridiculous offer. L.A. needs to lose one of Ariza or Odom and I just don't see them paying what it's going to take to keep both of them.

It will be interesting for sure to watch. Buss is no Mark Cuban that will pay anything though.

[2pac]

Lets not forget that LA wants Ariza for the future. Odom is their bench guy.

Do we think that Odom is going to be happy when LA offers Ariza 6-7mm a year to start while Odom is given 5mm to ride the pine behind Ariza/Gasol/Bynum.

If LA is giving him 5mm to ride the bench, do you think he could be happier starting with a dominant post for the same amount of money? Then he is still with a championship-caliber team, only he is a starter next to one of the greatest posts to ever live and one of the top three point guards in the NBA. That means lots of open shots, lots of easy put backs and a huge role in getting the ring in 09.

[montgod]

I initially thought that Odom would just be a redundant piece, now I am thinking that he actually could be a possibility. I remember when the Spurs went after Webber when we already had Duncan and was baffled, but the key is to have the most talented five on the floor.

In saying that, and also revisiting the Spurs FO statements, I think they possibly could go after a free agent 4 over a 5 since there are more talented 4 players out there.

Honestly, even if they go after after Sheed or McDyess, don't they both play the 4 over the 5? They do. Then add on Odom, Millsap (Boozer staying means they might not match), and Verajao as possible additions as well. Only after these players do Gortat or a ZaZa come to mind.

[HarlemHeat37]

Odom would actually be the best fit on this team, even better than Wallace IMO..it's just HIGHLY unlikely that he comes here..it would take a rift between him and the Lakers, and then it would take the luck of no other teams having any interest in him..

[50 cent]

We shall soon see if L.A. can afford to keep them both.

I kind of doubt it.

[mytespurs]

I think somehow, someway the Lakers hang on to both Ariza & Odom.

[AFBlue]

Odom just seems like one of those guys that will eventually rise to the top of the FA crop...similar to last year with Maggette, Odom will entertain mid-level offers but when someone else's plan A falls through they'll throw money at Odom.

Still, I like the idea of Odom on the Spurs.

[coachmac87]

Odom would actually be the best fit on this team, even better than Wallace IMO..it's just HIGHLY unlikely that he comes here..it would take a rift between him and the Lakers, and then it would take the luck of no other teams having any interest in him..

if he as a "rift" with the lakers...than SA would be the perfect place to go to get back at them. And i think the Lakers need Odom more than Ariza.

Odom just brings more than the table. Only thing Ariza has on Odom is age, but Ariza cant guard 3 positions. Odom gives LA sooooo many options and is a mismatch.

[Thompson]

Because after Lamar did this in the silver and black...



...Pop will have committed murder in front of 20,000 witnesses. Granted, CIA Pop could probably whack that many, but the television audience would be too much.