[外電] Lamar Odom and Los Angeles Lakers Need Each Other

[spock2230 (spock)]

這樣的標題比較適合湖人版 (雖然裡面沒新消息 XDD )

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/219936-odom-and-lakers-need-each-other

Lamar Odom and Los Angeles Lakers Need Each Other



The 2008-2009 World Champion Los Angeles Lakers had a lot of things going for
them. First, obviously, they had one of the best players in the game- Kobe
Bryant. They had a defensively reinvigorated Pau Gasol to go along with
budding star Andrew Bynum.

They also had something else that turned out to be more important than any of
those in the long run: an incredibly talented sixth-man that can play two
positions, defend, rebound, and run the floor as good as any starter in the
league.

Lamar Odom now appears headed out of town. "Persona non grata" in the town
that took a shot on the previously beleagured but talented player.

How did this all happen?  Isn't the champagne still drying in the Orlando
Magic's visitor's locker room?

Can it be that a player that proved his worth averaging a double-double in
February when pressed back into the starting lineup when starting center
Bynum went down with yet another injury be in a position to not be welcomed
back?

The rumors were swirling from the beginning of free agency that Western
Conference rivals San Antonio and Phoenix were both interested. However that
interest waned after the Lakers decided to let small forward Trevor Ariza go
to Houston and signed Ron Artest to take his place.

It was thought by everyone that the Lakers had examined their conscience and
decided on the supremely more talented Odom instead of the up-and-coming wing
defender.

It was also thought that the three year, $27 million offer the Lakers put on
the table would have been enough to entice Odom back to a team that
essentially got better with the signing of Artest and no departures of
significance.

However Odom apparently wanted more years and at least $10 million per year
so he took his time to contemplate the offer. This riled Lakers owner Dr.
Jerry Buss who promptly pulled the offer off the table, leaving Odom in limbo
apparently available to the highest bidder.

Enter: the Miami Heat.

A team desperately trying to prove to their star DeWayne Wade, who could
leave in free agency after the 2009-2010 season, that they are serious about
contending for a title. No official offer has been made, but Miami has a lot
more to lose by not signing Odom than the Lakers do.

However that does not mean that the Lakers don't need Odom. In fact, if Odom
leaves, their chances for repeating as Conference champions becomes
significantly more difficult.

Odom's length provided a unique ability to flank Bynum with Gasol and Odom
and make the paint almost impentrable. At this point, the bench at the power
forward spot consists of Josh Powell with a stretch to include Luke Walton.

That can't make you feel good if you're the Lakers. Sure Powell showed
promise and Walton can contribute somewhat, but neither at Odom's level in
both talent and performance.

Bynum now needs to prove he can stay healthy. Gasol, while he played tougher
last year, still tends to drift from the paint. Odom brought versatility to
the position that will not be replaced.

Strictly from a rotation standpoint, the Lakers need to find a middle road
and bring Odom back if they want to seriously contend next year. Anything
less would be failure.

Unfortunately that failure will be from the front office, not on the floor.

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