What's next for Lamar Odom? @ The Fan Hub

June 27th, 2012 10:33 AM

Dallas Mavericks power forward Lamar Odom against the Portland Trail Blazers at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE

To put it nicely, Lamar Odom had a disappointing season with the Mavericks in 2011-12. The former Sixth Man of the Year looked out of shape, was playing without any emotion, and seemed to have lost his shooting and rebounding abilities that were so valuable for the Lakers just a season earlier.

Many blamed the poor play on personal issues. Among many other problems, the power forward lost his cousin and was very disheartened following his trade from the Lakers after seven successful years. The season is finally over though, and now there are teams who have interest in the veteran, believing he can still perform at high level.

One deal that has been talked about is a three-team trade between the Mavericks, Lakers, and Clippers. The Mavericks are desperately trying to sign Deron Williams, who recently opted into free agency. The point guard stated he wants to end up in either Dallas or Brooklyn, but right now the Nets seem to have the upper hand. Letting go of Odom would allow Dallas to up their offer and potentially sway Williams’ decision.

The Clippers, who have shown the most interest in Odom, are in need of big men. The team currently has only six rotation players returning next season and needs a backup for Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. With no cap space to sign players, swapping salaries would work best. The player that would be easiest to let go is Mo Williams. With Chauncey Billups, who has expressed interest in returning to LA, and Eric Bledsoe to back Chris Paul, losing Williams would not be that big of a blow to the offense.

A team who would benefit from Williams is the Lakers. As defenses tend to focus on the Lakers’ strong points (the paint and Kobe), point guards and small forwards are left with open shots. Ramon Sessions showed some ability to work off the ball well, but as a traditional pick-and-roll point guard he plays best when in control. Letting him go in free agency would give the Lakers salary space and allow them to pick up Williams from the Clippers.

Because this trade has so many pieces, it will be hard to work out. Another team that could benefit from Odom is the Knicks. As a team that struggles to find offense from their bench, New York could definitely benefit from Odom’s scoring ability. After shooting guard J.R. Smith opted into free agency, the Knicks will be looking for role players if they decide not to re-sign him. Odom would be a cheap pickup and with two rings, could definitely provide additional leadership. To make New York even more appetizing, playing there would bring Odom closer to his wife. With Odom and Khloe Kardashian living in New York, another reality show is almost guaranteed.

— Tim Moczula

Lamar Odom had the worst year of his career last season in Dallas. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Last year was a difficult one in Lamar Odom's personal life, and he was awful on the court for a Dallas team creative enough to use him in a variety of ways in lineups of all shapes and sizes.

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