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While Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol (rightfully) took many of the plaudits from the back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010, another key cog of that team was versatile big man Lamar Odom.
An eventual Sixth Man of the Year award winner, Odom’s versatility as a big man with handles and passing ability was before his time and made him a match-up nightmare.
While Odom’s tenure with the Lakers and eventual career in the NBA came to an end in an unfortunate manner, he’s long been remembered for his time with the Lakers.
After struggles off the court have brought a renewed sense of purpose to his life, it appears Odom and the Lakers have discussed him retiring in the purple and gold.
From Shams Charania of The Vertical:
At some point, Odom will come full circle in Los Angeles, with plans being discussed for him to sign a contract to retire as a Laker in training camp.
“My family looks forward to me retiring as a Laker more than me,” Odom told The Vertical. “I’m not really emotional about being praised, about signing for a day. I’m shy at the end of the day. For my son, for my family, for my fans, they may enjoy that day. It’s for them.
“I ain’t celebrating not playing no more. In life though, I’ve learned to live with regrets.”
On top of his Sixth Man of the Year award, Odom averaged 13.7 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 519 games as a Laker. He also played vital roles in the Lakers’ title runs, averaging 12.3 points and 9.1 rebounds while shooting 51.4 percent from three in the team’s 2008-09 title run.
Odom spent time with the Lakers during the pre-draft process and his appearances at the team facility were a welcome sight to fans of the title-winning Lakers.
While Odom has been out of the league since 2013, few would argue against Odom retiring a Laker.
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