there has to be more to it than the money or job security... state income taxes in cali for a multi-millionaire would probably be 8-10% - 10% of $36 mill is $3.6. that makes it 4 year/$32.4 mill. with miami he is locked down an extra year for only $2.6 million more. could he not get more than $2.6 on the open market after a 4 year deal ends in 2013? odom in 4 years is still going to worth more than that. if miami gets boozer, which maybe odom already knows is going down, does that make them more of a contender than la already is? especially w/ boston, cleveland and orlando in the mix. was he that unhappy coming off the bench for a championship team? did kobe yell at him too much? why would he leave a team that just picked up one of his childhood friends? it has to be more than the money, because even if it was about the money the smart move would be to stay in l.a.
Reporting Jim Hill (CBS) NBAE Lamar Odom Makes Call To Dr. Jerry Buss I have learned that Lamar Odom had a phone conversation with Lakers owner Jerry Buss on Thursday. I am told the purpose of the call was to rebuild any bridges that Odom's agent, Jeff Schwartz may have burned by not responding to the Lakers offer of 3-years $30 million, and 4-years for $36 million.
If Odom signs that contract, he should fire his agent. If Odom had to repair his agent's screw up, he shouldn't have to pay the guy's 10% commission on a self-negotiated contract.
Yip, Dr. Buss is not a world class poker player for nothing. one would think Odom's agent learn from the mistakes of Arriza's agent.
There are many things one could say about this topic...BUT, I think by far the most important is... I am happy with the Lakers losing as many pieces of their championship team as possible... Odom included. There.
Come to think of it - it might not be so bad if Odom ends up in LA after all, the more combustible elements the better the chance of explosion.
1. Boozer took a one year deal rather than test the market. 2. The Portland & Toronto offers to Hedo were known. 3. The deal that Shawn Marion got was also known. 4. Ron Artest took a MLE deal. 5. It isn't that difficult to keep a spreadsheet of the basic salary situation (Total Salary, Trade Exceptions & Cap Space) for each team and update it as trades and signings occur. The NBA might even have that available as a <i>service</i> for teams & agents. Where Odom rates in desirability compared Boozer, Hedo, Artest and Marion is open for discussion, but I think that he should have expected to get a deal similar to what the others received. The offer from the Lakers was probably close enough and Odom's agent was foolish for not pursuing it. Assign most of the <i>win</i> for the Lakers to the greed of Odom & the incompetence of his agent rather than to shrewdness by the Los Angeles front office.
If you cant enjoy your oppositions demise then why cheer to beat them? I wouldnt mind them getting weaker just like they dont mind when we do.
Portland incurred a huge <i>cost</i> to rid themselves of Zach Randolph and might be cautious on adding somebody that doesn't grade out as an <i>A+</i>/ Not that Lamar is comparable to Zach, but Lamar is far from being a <i>role model</i> for a young team.
The leader of that team is Roy, and I dont think Lamar will make that much of a different. Plus Odom is a winning and with him Portland have a chance of putting up a fight against LA.
Roy is a young vet,who needs a complimentary slightly older disciplined co-star who can fit in with Aldridge and him to form another big 3. Lamar is skilled, but lacks the discipline needed on a younger team like Portland.
Portland would weaken the Lakers and strengthen themselves...if they want to win, this is the kind of move they need to make. DD
If they really wanted to freak out the Fakers, they'd attempt to deal with the Rockets for Shane. I'd hate to lose him, but as has been talked about (endlessly, LOL!), Portland has some talent that could fit well with the Rocks. Goes without saying that Battier would be a key piece for the Blazers in an attempt to advance to the WC finals and defeat LA.
