The Dallas Mavericks and Lamar Odom have parted ways after nearly four tumultuous months. When Odom arrived in Dallas on Dec. 14, the Mavericks had hoped the 6-foot-10 forward would help offset the losses of Caron Butler and Tyson Chandler in free agency, but Odom never quite adjusted to living and playing in Dallas.
"The Mavericks and I have mutually agreed that it's in the best interest of both parties for me to step away from the team," Odom said in a statement to ESPN.com. "I'm sorry that things didn't work out better for both of us, but I wish the Mavs' organization, my teammates and Dallas fans nothing but continued success in the defense of their championship."
ESPN's Marc Stein reported Monday the Mavericks plan to place Odom on the inactive list for the remainder of the season rather than release him. This will give the Mavericks the rights to trade him in the off-season or buy him out by June 29 for $2.4 million.
Odom averaged 6.6 points per game and 4.1 rebounds per game this season with Dallas. He previously was granted a break to the NBA D-League before the All-Star break in February, but ESPN notes there are no plans to bring Odom back this season.
Dallas is 31-26 this season and the seventh seed in the Western Conference. The team has nine games left to get into the playoffs and defend its title.
