| |
|
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:
Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and Undefeated Rising Prospect Robert Guerrero Jr. to Appear at 3rd Annual Battle of the Trades on April 25
, Thu, 23 Apr 2026WBC WORLD CHAMPION DALTON SMITH SIGNS NEW LONG-TERM CONTRACT EXTENSION WITH EDDIE HEARN’S MATCHROOM BOXING
, Thu, 23 Apr 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Team Swept Day Two of World Boxing Cup - Stage 1
, Thu, 23 Apr 2026FAELDONIA & NGO RULE STA. FE, ROMBLON, TABLAS OPEN CHESS TOURNAMENT
, Thu, 23 Apr 2026Manny Pacquiao Chess Philippines heads to Okada, Manila
By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 23 Apr 2026May 16: Kelvin Davis-Peter Dobson Welterweight Clash & Yan Santana-Cristian Cruz Featherweight Battle Added to Keyshawn Davis-Nahir Albright II Card LIVE on DAZN
, Wed, 22 Apr 2026World Super Flyweight contender John ‘Scrappy’ Ramirez waiting for Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez’ final decision
, Wed, 22 Apr 2026Former champ Lawrence Okolie tested positive in VADA testing
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 22 Apr 2026Salim Ellis-Bey Secures Win for Team USA on Day One of World Boxing Cup - Stage 1
, Wed, 22 Apr 2026Garcia, Young, Gatus banner tough field in 20th Philippine Xiangqi Open Tournament on May 1
By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 22 Apr 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION APRIL 20 APRIL 2026: Baumgardner Outpoints Shin, Retains IBF/WBA/WBO 130 Lb Titles; Daniels Stops Green in 9; Lorente SD Collins in WBC Welter Eliminator
By Eric Armit, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: A Year of Memories Between the Ring and Faith
By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026High Stakes in Ufa: Subkhankulov and Usmonov Clash for IBF #2 Spot
By Dong Secuya, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026Elorde Jr. is new PBF president
By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026Ancajas wins 1st bout as feather
By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026Ito knockouts Lerasan in 1st round
By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026Kristian ‘KP’ Prenga developing into Albanian heavyweight boxing GOAT
, Tue, 21 Apr 2026IIEE PSME Quezon City Simba’s Tribe amazed with GAB Chairman Rivera’s advocacy for chess players
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026‘CALM’ PERO READY TO FACE MILLER’S FIRE
, Tue, 21 Apr 2026Hall of Famer Rafael Marquez's son Aaron wins professional debut
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026Top Super Featherweights Tsendy Erdenebat & Cobia Breedy Battle in 10-Round Main Event of ProBoxTV’s ‘The Contender Series’ at Live! Casino Hotel Maryland
, Tue, 21 Apr 2026Registration Now Open for the Return of the Butterfly Brawl at the Iconic Santa Monica Pier – August 22, 2026
, Tue, 21 Apr 2026Brackets Set for USA Boxing Elite High Performance Team at World Boxing Cup - Stage One
, Tue, 21 Apr 2026Team Altagracia Primus Praedia Land Holding champ in Pacquiao chess
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 21 Apr 20262-Division World Champion Daniel Ponce De León Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
, Tue, 21 Apr 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
