NBA

Lamar Odom's Childhood Heroes: Magic Johnson and Ric Flair

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Everyone knows that Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom grew up idolizing Magic Johnson. Although he hasn't had the same success as Magic, it's obvious that Odom patterned a lot of his game after him. Like Magic, Odom is a point guard in a power forward's body who is at his best when he is aggressively pushing the ball on a fast break.

Playing with Kobe Bryant has forced Odom to become more of a traditional power forward, but luckily, Odom had another childhood hero to help him prepare for the physicality of the power forward position. Here's Jannis Carr of the O.C. Register with the scoop:
Odom said his favorite [wrestler] is "Ric Flair," a retired professional wrestler known for his platinum blonde locks, in-ring antics and use of the catchphrase, "Woooooo!" Odom said he cried as a boy when he discovered the action wasn't real.

One of his most cherished birthday gifts was one of Flair's trademark full-length robes, replete with rhinestones, sequins and colorful feathers along the neckline.
The Lakers should spice things up a bit and let Odom rock that robe for his warm up outfit before games. Or maybe they can let him cut a promo like this.

As well, now that I know Ric Flair was one of Odom's childhood heroes, I understand this random act of violence on Ray Allen last season. Allen is just lucky Odom didn't put the figure four leg lock on him and make him tap out.

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