Doc Rivers is confirming what everyone has already assumed, Lamar Odom will make a return to the NBA despite not getting picked up in the offseason by any team. The free agent has been meeting with general managers of multiple teams, but it is the Los Angeles' duo that are showing the most interest in bringing the forward back. After a long sit down with the Clippers, Rivers has nothing but positive things to say regarding Odom.
ESPN reported that over the weekend Odom and the Clippers had a very long sit down to discuss everything from his health, the drug rumors and his basketball training, all leading up to a likely contract by the team. Rivers confirmed to reports that the team had a "good conversation" with Odom, but stopped short of saying a contract was offered to the free agent.
"I've always had interest in him. I've always liked him," Rivers said, via ESPNLosAngeles.com. "The teams he's played on and the coaches who have coached him have always liked him, but honestly it really didn't go much further than that."
Rivers said he has been in talks with Odom for weeks now. He wanted to meet with the forward to see where he was physically and said he looked good and in shape while noting that his weight was down from last season. Sources tell ESPN that while a deal with Odom is not imminent, that meeting is a good sign things will happen.
Odom has good history with the Clippers despite not being retained in the offseason. He returned to being somewhat of a successful player after signing with the team. The Clippers are currently only carrying 14 players on the roster. They opted to keep one spot open coming out of training camp and were reportedly trying to figure out how to use it. That is a good sign for Odom who could be the final piece. An endorsement from Rivers certainly helps his case.
The Los Angeles Lakers are also monitoring the progress of Odom. The team has not held a confirmed formal meeting, but sources say team officials have been in contact with Odom. After recently making headlines for everything from financial and drug problems to a DUI arrest, the Lakers have been watching how he rebounds in the next few months.
Thee 33-year-old is targeting a return to the league for the second half of the season. If Odom can prove that he is serious about resurrecting his NBA career that has certainly had a lot of highs in it, a Los Angeles team is his best landing spot.
