Lakers' Odom OK With Reserve Role (Wiretap)

garcia3 · Post #1 » by **garcia3** » Sun Oct 26, 2008 3:55 pm

Lamar Odom has had a change of heart and is now fine with the role of sixth man in Los Angeles.

"Really comfortable," Odom said of his new role. "Whatever the team needs me to do, that's what I'm going to do. To be successful and play for championships, that doesn't come around too often, you know what I'm saying? Whatever it takes.

"You know, I'm a humble dude. I put my ego aside."

http://basketball.realgm.com/src_wireta ... erve_role/
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I think we're really fortunate to have such a great rebounder coming off the bench

Lamar also thrives in an up-tempo style of play, so playing along side Farmar should work great

He still has the same problems though, he needs to work that jumper, but that won't be as detrimental to the team because with Bynum's re-emergence his offensive game ain't so important for us now as it was years before.

But I don't know, I really don't trust VladRad, if he doesn't work out, who do you think Phil should start instead??

Thoughts

JellosJigglin · Post #2 » by **JellosJigglin** » Sun Oct 26, 2008 4:46 pm

Odom has looked good in a reserve role. His game fits perfectly with our free-flowing, uptempo bench. PJ's rotations have been tighter the last couple games, and I think it's a glimpse of what we'll see this entire season. Odom will have minutes with both the bench AND starters. He's a stabilizing figure for our young bench, and he fills in perfectly with the starters when Gasol or Bynum need a breather. It so far appears to be a brilliant move.

I'm glad Odom is embracing this role, because I really think it capitalizes on his strengths while hiding some of his weaknesses. From opening night, he should be one of the favorites for 6th man of the year.

DEEP3CL · Post #3 » by **DEEP3CL** » Sun Oct 26, 2008 4:59 pm

With him there we'll have one of the most potent benches in the league hands down. How many teams can boast that they have a starter coming off the bench ? Well except for the delusional Rocket fan who think their teams bench is better.

Post #4 » by **crazyeights** » Sun Oct 26, 2008 5:11 pm

If Farmar keeps up his play and Sasha returns to form...then we're looking at a scary bench. Oh and there's Ariza and Lamar. And Mihm.

AceFresh · Post #5 » by **AceFresh** » Sun Oct 26, 2008 6:03 pm

Ohhhhhhhhhh mannnnnnnnnnn

Sedale Threatt · Post #6 » by **Sedale Threatt** » Sun Oct 26, 2008 6:36 pm

Lamar can be an extremely valuable player for us, just not in the way he's used to. I'm just hoping he can maintain a positive attitude as his numbers and minutes drop. Saying he will before the season is one thing, but it'll be a real test once the games start and reality sinks in.

Post #7 » by **milesfides** » Sun Oct 26, 2008 8:49 pm

Sweet, now all that's left is seeing whether he's OK with Reserve Pay.

In all seriousness, it's a great luxury to have this season.

I like the idea of a 2nd unit with Farmar, Ariza, and Odom to push the ball, and Vujacic and Powell to provide halfcourt options.

hermes · Post #8 » by **hermes** » Sun Oct 26, 2008 9:46 pm

i'm going to go ahead and say i'm not shocked

Post #9 » by **dockingsched** » Sun Oct 26, 2008 9:48 pm

well, its probably says a lot about how good things are going when this relatively non story was made into such a big fuss the entire pre season.

Verbal · Post #10 » by **Verbal** » Sun Oct 26, 2008 10:37 pm

LO!

I've been hoping for this in a long time! (and saying it for a LONG TIME!) Now the man just needs to develop a consistent outside shot or we get rid of the SPace Cadet.

YEAH!

KB20 · Post #11 » by **KB20** » Sun Oct 26, 2008 11:31 pm

Best thing I've heard in a while. I guess he finally realized that even as a reserve he will likely get 25-35 minutes a game.

KobeFan · Post #12 » by **KobeFan** » Sun Oct 26, 2008 11:44 pm

Odom's averaged well over 35 MPG his entire career.

This is his walk year, and he's doing the Lakers an incredible service putting his pride, and contract ambitious aside, to come off the bench in the interest of winning.

These are the types of stories that don't get enough pull around here.

Odom deserves an incredible amount of respect and admiration from LA fans for this.

He's been a class act since he's been in a Laker uniform. Hopefully we can resign him at 5/$55M

Gerald3Wallace · Post #13 » by **Gerald3Wallace** » Mon Oct 27, 2008 1:46 am

"You only get one or two shots at this, you know what I'm saying? I'll do it. Jeff Schwartz will probably hate it," he said, referring to his agent, who will handle contract negotiations next summer.

"For some guys, they might not be able to take it well, especially in their contract year. Whatever. I'm good. I've made enough. I'm OK. My family's good. Hopefully I can win a championship here and be rewarded for it."

i got a whole lot of respect for this man..nh

Verbal · Post #14 » by **Verbal** » Mon Oct 27, 2008 2:05 am

^It's not like you said you loved him. :wink:

magic1fan · Post #15 » by **magic1fan** » Mon Oct 27, 2008 3:46 am

what else could he really say? if he were to become a problem he would be shipped out. he is playing for another contract. i am happy to hear it,but i also feel that if odom doesn't excel at his role this year,it is time to move him.

Verbal · Post #16 » by **Verbal** » Mon Oct 27, 2008 7:40 am

Aint no money like playoff money. :biggrin:

Luxury · Post #17 » by **Luxury** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 10:30 pm

Big ups to LO.

MalReyn · Post #18 » by **MalReyn** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 10:54 pm

DEEP3CL wrote:With him there we'll have one of the most potent benches in the league hands down. How many teams can boast that they have a starter coming off the bench ? Well except for the delusional Rocket fan who think their teams bench is better.

Jazz, Bulls, Spurs, Suns could all make this claim.

It will be interesting to see how Lamar adjusts to this role as the year goes on. Rotations and minutes can vary quite a bit.