Lamar Odom Thread: What's the scuttlebutt on him for next year?

In the last 2 weeks, I have become more intrigued about Lamar Odom and what he could bring to our team. Coupled with MacBeth's thread about Mobley being shopped, my speculation is that the Rox could probably get Odom, if the team wanted to. In addition to setting out my opinion, I'd like to hear the reasoned, factually supported opinions of others. I'd also like to hear any news or scuttlebut about where Odom is likely headed.

My thoughts:

1. First, and perhaps foremost, Odom would bring a skill set that is not duplicative of what we already have (ala Mobley/Francis). He presents intuitive passing skills that nobody, perhaps save Yao, has on the team. His scoring ability is at least as good as Mobley, but does not require him to hold the ball. He is also a competent shooter and rebounder from the SF position. When he is right (a significant question), he can get you the rebound, start the break, make the correct pass, hit the open shot, post up and get a key bucket . . . there is little that Odom is not capable of doing. An old axiom of NBA championship basketball: you generally need 2 stars and a strong third contributor. Many, if not most, of us don't think that Francis, Mobley and Yao present that combination because Francis and Mobley are duplicative and do not make the team greater than the sum of our parts. Lamar Odom, plus some tweaking of our roster (addressed below), might do the trick.

2. Odom's upside is comparable (but lesser) than that of Francis and Yao. Granted, there's the risk that Odom has peaked and will never reach his vast potential. However, his talent would be a terrific fit. His ballhandling and passing ability would take the pressure off Francis, and would presumably work well with Yao.

3. Tweaking the lineup: If Mobley were moved for Odom, we would need to address the SG position. Posey is starting caliber talent and I think his defensive prowess and hustle outweighs any offensive shortcomings, particularly in a lineup with Francis, Odom and Yao. We would need a competent backup guard, which I think we could pick up for a modest price. Peeler and Jon Barry come to mind, with Barry being more expensive. Our remaining weakness would be PF, but presumably, the Rox would have determined that Mobley, our best disposable asset, was best used to land Odom. We would stick with Griffin and Taylor, and see if one of the two live up to their potential.

Questions:

1. What is the scuttlebutt on Odom's likely destination?

2. Nobody on the Clippers played any defense but, that aside, what is Odom's reputation for defense? I suspect that he is adequate at best, but I'd like to know.

3. What are your opinions on this as a possibility?

 

i agree that a S&T would probably be necessary. That's why I contemplate moving Mobley for Odom (plus whatever fillers are necessary to make the deal work money wise). I have to believe that the Clippers would be very happy to get Mobley a potential replacement for Maguette, who appears destined for Denver.

Additional question: what is the best guestimate as to what Odom will command in the semi-open market this year?

 

Your guestimate for the original pothead is very similar to the actual contract received by MoTay, one of our two resident potheads. But, nothing ventured, nothing gained. I'd hate to bank on Odom for 5-7 years. Damn, too easy for something to go wrong. The fact that teams are willing to even consider giving that guy that kind of money is a testament to his talent.