| |
|
Maverick Odom changes colors
By Nicholai R. Roska PhilBoxing.com Thu, 15 Dec 2011

LOS ANGELES -- He's 6-foot-10 long and 230 pounds large. He can shoot, pass, rebound, play respectable defense, and light the hardcourt with his winning, infectious smile.
There sure is a lot to like about Lamar Odom.
His career averages --- 10.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.5 blocks and 1.0 rebound per game -- won't take him straight to the Hall of Fame. But Odom's all-around skills help wins championships, like he did in 2009 and 2010 while playing alongside Kobe Bryant and the fabulous Los Angeles Lakers.
Unfortunately for diehard Lakers fans, Odom has left the Staples Center. He is taking his talents to Dallas, where he eventually landed early this week following a botched Chris Paul trade that would have packaged Odom to New Orleans.
Odom didn't necessarily like leaving L.A. At age 32, with thousands of miles on his hoops-weary knees, Odom, like most veterans, prefer continuity as opposed to change.
But Dallas and the defending champion Mavericks are ecstatic to have last year's NBA sixth man of the year awardee in their roster.
"Just watching him over the years, I'm a big fan of his game because he's an all-around player," said NBA Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki. "He can bring the ball up, he can shoot, he can post. He's a great decision-maker with the ball and one of the best passing big men in the league today. So, we should be able to have fun with each other."
Odom's arrival comes at a critical time when the Mavericks defend their title without center Tyson Chandler, who was lured by the the New York Knicks with a four-year deal worth $58 million.
Ever the consummate pro, Odom has quickly accepted his fate. "I have a lot of pride being on this team and playing with the defending champions to try and help them defend their title."
Considering that his paycheck was a reasonable $8.9 million a year, it is quite puzzling why the Lakers would dispose an asset as valuable as Lamar Odom. Maybe the next few days, or trades, will provide answers.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Nicholai R. Roska.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Murat Gassiev to defend his WBA Heavyweight crown against Yoka at IBA PRO 19 , Thu, 28 May 2026‘Not a Kid Anymore.’ Edward Vazquez Talks About How He’s Matured While Training to Face Daniel Lugo on ProBoxTV in Friday, June 5, Main Event , Thu, 28 May 2026Remulla, Ferrer, Matro to grace Cavite Inter-Town Chess Tournament this weekend By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 28 May 2026McHugh next for Dy By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 27 May 2026Sweat, Smiles & Strategy: Ador Torres Helps Tim Tszyu Sharpen Up for Errol Spence By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 27 May 2026Benavidez receives the Tollan Tlatequi WBC belt in Mexico City By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 27 May 2026Llover ready to fight Angeletti on June 6 By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 27 May 2026Tyson Fury could return in Dublin on August 1st By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 27 May 2026Long After the Cheers: Luisito Espinosa…Battle of Manila Bay 2…and an Unofficial World Record Worth Remembering By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Wed, 27 May 2026Undefeated Knockout Artist Jordan Orozco (16-0, 16 KOs) Continues Rapid Ascent as One of Boxing’s Most Exciting Young Stars , Wed, 27 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Secures 13 Medals at 2026 Copa America , Wed, 27 May 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 25 MAY 2026: Usyk Defeats Verhoeven in Controversial Stoppage; Catterall UD Giyasov; Hiruta Beats Soliman; Sanchez KOs Torrez; Jones Stops Gualtieri By Eric Armit, , Tue, 26 May 2026WBC #14 Bryan Flores Takes on Jonathan Navarro in 10-round Super Lightweight Main Event on ProBoxTV, Sat., July 18, at NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, Calif. , Tue, 26 May 2026Villarosa retains PH Youth super fly crown By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 26 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Earns Six More Wins on Day Eight at 2026 Copa America , Tue, 26 May 2026It’s time for blue-chip prospect Marco Romero to sign with top promoter , Tue, 26 May 2026General Trias Team All Set for International Chess Meet By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 26 May 2026Rosas wins PH superfly crown in first fight By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 25 May 20262026 NBA Playoffs: Spurs Shackle Thunder 103-82 in Game 4 of West Finals By Reylan Loberternos, , Mon, 25 May 2026Paciones defeats Laspoña, retains WBO Oriental flyweight title By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 25 May 2026Results from Panama City By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 25 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Improves Strong Copa America Showing with 8 win Day , Mon, 25 May 2026Benilde Blazers wins Antipolo 2x2 chess team tournament By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 25 May 2026Floyd Mayweather Jr files $175 million lawsuit against former associates and advisors By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sun, 24 May 2026Christian Mbilli will defend his WBC super middleweight world title against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez on September 12 in Saudi Arabia! , Sun, 24 May 2026 |

|
|
|
|
|