The rumors will not go away. Lamar Odom cannot escape speculation whether it is regarding his personal life or his basketball career. The last few months have certainly been a roller coaster for the NBA star. While sitting on the free agency market, Odom has reportedly been to drug rehab and risked getting divorced. Now, finally some basketball news has surfaced as sources report Odom and the Los Angeles Lakers are striking up conversations once again.
According to TMZ, Odom has meet with Lakers executives about a possible return. "Our sources tell use Lamar met with Laker execs Monday afternoon to discuss terms of a possible return. We're told things went well-though nothing's been signed-and that Lamar's first choice has always been to return to the Lakers."
There is no doubting Odom was at his best when playing for the Lakers. He averaged a career-best 19.4 efficiency rating in 2010 when he was named the Sixth Man of the Year. He was a crucial piece in the Lakers' championship run, showing strengths on both sides of the ball. However, after spending time with both the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers, Odom has dropped off in the past two years.
With the Mavericks, Odom put up career lows in all stats before leaving the franchise before the end of the season. He was then signed to the Clippers where he showed signs of life once again, but still was not in his Lakers form. He played all 82 games, but only rarely did he make a difference.
His life off the court has been even worse. He was stopped for suspicion of DUI. It was then reported by ESPN that Odom had gone on a drug bender and entered a rehab program. Radar Online then reported the Lakers told Odom they would sign him is he successfully completed a stint in rehab. Team officials reportedly told the former star there would be a spot on the team when he got out.
Could that be true? According to TMZ it is. Odom would not be offered anything more than a veteran's minimum contract. He has not been to training camp although league sources say he is working out every day to stay in basketball shape. If the Lakers need one more body for a strong front-court presence, there is no doubting Odom could be that player, but the risk is pretty great.
