Lamar Odom Being Shopped By The Los Angeles Lakers
June 23, 2011 - 1:36 pm by Ryan Phillips
Much has been made concerning several trades the Los Angeles Lakers have explored recently. More specifics of those discussions have been made public over the past few hours.
The biggest splash concerned a potential trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves that would have brought Kevin Love and the No. 2 pick in Thursday night’s NBA Draft to Los Angeles in exchange for Pau Gasol. The real story behind that exchange has now come to light.
The Lakers actually offered Lamar Odom to the T-Wolves for the No. 2 pick straight up, with the intention of drafting Arizona forward Derrick Williams with the pick. Minnesota turned the offer down, then asked the Lakers if they’d be willing to deal Gasol or Andrew Bynum instead. The Lakers said no and talks broke down.
Odom has apparently also been shopped around to other teams. In fact, the Lakers also offered Mr. Kardashian and guard Shannon Brown to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Monta Ellis. The Warriors declined.
Odom has two years left on his contract. He will make $8.9 million next season, but only $2.4 million of his $8.2 million salary is guaranteed for 2012-13 because of a club option for that year. So really, he’s not that expensive an option for a team in need of a versatile, veteran presence.
The Lakers would like to get younger and Odom, the NBA’s reigning Sixth Man of the Year, is an attractive piece for other teams.
We’re surprised the Wolves dismissed a deal for the No. 2 pick outright, since taking Williams would only overload their frontcourt with young players. While a straight up deal of Odom for the No. 2 pick might have been a tad optimistic by the Lakers, we are surprised the two teams didn’t continue to work on something.
One thing is clear though, the Lakers are willing to part with Odom in the right deal if it helps them get younger and more athletic.
4 Responses to “Lamar Odom Being Shopped By The Los Angeles Lakers”
I think it is time to get rid of Kuptack. He got lucky with Gosal and that was aided by Jerry West.But he has not made that many good or great decisions.He was riding Kobe’s back until Kobe put his foot down. I would get ride of Gosal now since he has lost his fire and hunger and seem to have some trouble with one of his team mates over his Fiance. He should go young with two speedy athletic point guards that can shoot,trade Artest or Peace to get a more athletic and mobile forward. Get a suitable back up for Bynum plus a younger power-forward/center. He should continue to shop Brown so he will work harder next season. And those are ideas for a start. One last move Coach Brown should invite Fischer to join him on the bench as an assistant.
By James Meredith on Jun 24, 2011
It would be a mistake to get rid of Odom, he comes ready to play each game, I can’t say the same for Pau.. thats who the Lakers should shop, granted he has the height, but not the fire….nope, keep Odom (and quit calling him Mr. Kardashian) he gives his all each time he’s called on…
By mary on Jun 24, 2011
Get rid of Odom, Gasol, Brown, Artest, Bynum & Walton! Put some damn Winners with the Greatest of em all Kobe Bryant…
By Jay King on Jun 24, 2011