Battier can help them out but he won't be enough to get them into the finals. They need a big 3 like the Celtics and to move some of their pieces.
Portland needs a pg, they have enough bigs that can play the role Odom plays with the lakers The best way for them to compete with the lakers is to pick up a premier point guard - that would free up Roy - their best player, and also give Oden/Aldridge some easy dunks.
Odom might just end up with the Lakers and agree to a smaller deal then what was previously offered to Him. He is trying to play the market but I dont think the market can really pay him what He thinks his worth.
I totally agree, by taking away Odom from the Lakers, they lose length and bench support. And Odom would fit in well with Portland, because LA is usually outside shooting jump shot anyway. Odom can help out with rebounds and creating. This is a better move than getting Battier from us because this move take away something from the Lakers as well.
If Portland took away Odom LA would just counter by trading Bynum for a Bosh, Paul, Stoudemire, level talent. Shortens their window but keeps them in prime position so long as Kobe is in the NBA.
