The worst season of Lamar Odom's career has finally come to an end. According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the Mavericks and Odom have agreed to part ways for the rest of the NBA season. The forward will not be released, but will be listed as inactive for the rest of the year.
Odom explained the decision in a statement to espn.com.
"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. 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."
It's been a tumultuous first year for Odom in Dallas. He hasn't played well all season, averaging just 6.6 points in 50 games. It's the first time in his 13-year career that he has scored less than 10 points per contest.
The forward was traded to Dallas from the Lakers right before the season started. He was moved for an $8.9 million trade exception and a protected first-round draft pick. Los Angeles moved him after a trade for Chris Paul trade was vetoed, which would've sent Odom to New Orleans.
Odom took a leave of absence from Dallas earlier this season, but this one seems to be permanent. He missed four games in late February and early March for personal reasons. Some teammates questioned Odom's commitment to the Mavericks.
"Trust factor is always big. For that, he's going to have to earn it with a lot of the guys," said teammate Jason Kidd. "But we all give second chances, third chances. For that, we just want him to be him and be comfortable and play."
Odom hasn't been released because he wouldn't be able to join another team's playoff roster. It's hard to imagine Odom will return to Dallas next year. If the Mavs don't buy him out by June 29, they will owe him $8.2 million for the 2012-2013 Season.
If Odom is bought out, could he return to the Lakers as a free agent?
The former Laker was very productive in Los Angeles, winning two titles in seven seasons. Odom clearly enjoyed playing in L.A. That's why he was so distraught when the Lakers tried to trade him for Chris Paul.
Odom struggled mightily once he went somewhere else. After seeing how he performed in Dallas, other teams might be leery of signing him.
The Lakers could use him, and the biggest hurdle would be for Odom to forgive his former team for trading him.
If Odom can forget about the past, there's a good chance he can finish his career wearing the purple and gold.
