Odom, Lakers Back on Speaking Terms

All has been fairly quiet on the Lamar Odom front for the past week or so -- too quiet, in fact, for those hoping that the Lakers would re-sign the heart and soul of their championship team to a new contract. Sure, there were reports leaked that Odom personally called team owner Jerry Buss to try to reopen the negotiations, (as well as a rumor that Kobe Bryant made a similar call to try to get the two sides talking), but nothing concrete for the hand-wringing masses of Laker fans to be able to hang their hats on.

Until today, that is. The L.A. Times is reporting that the two sides once again began talking on Wednesday. But with the Lakers likely offering less than they did at the beginning, is a deal any more likely this time around?

Initially, the Lakers offered Odom a deal worth (potentially) $36 million over four years. The fourth year was the sticking point, however, as it was a team option that wasn't guaranteed. Meaning, the offer was really only concretely for three years, and $30 million.

With this likely to be Odom's last chance to secure a huge payday, that wasn't going to cut it. Especially when he saw Hedo Turkoglu grabbing over $50 million, and Anderson Varejao curiously securing himself a deal that could net him a similar amount.

But from the Lakers' standpoint, their offer was more than generous, and as John Ireland noted, was likely more than fair market value.

The common opinion seems to be that the Lakers made Odom an offer that was far above market value, and he turned it down. It's my feeling that the team no longer thinks he's worth a guaranteed $30 million in the current market. Unless somebody has a change of heart, Lamar most likely will have to take less to come back to the Lakers.

Does Odom deserve more money than Turkoglu or Varejao in a long-term deal? Most would answer "probably" and "absolutely." But only Miami and Portland are seen as potential suitors who would have the cap room available to offer Odom similar or more money than L.A., and only one of those teams -- Miami -- has shown any interest.

It's clear that Odom wants to stay in Los Angeles. Exactly how much financial security he's willing to give up for that privilege, however, remains to be seen.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

7-23-2009 @ 3:37PM

Whitney said...

MR. ODOM:

WHY DON'T YOU FIND YOURSELF A GOOD AGENT. YOU ARE A SIXTH MAN AT BEST AND THE $10M IS MORE THAN FAIR. YOU CAN BUY A LOT OF GROCERIES WITH THAT KIND OF MONEY. GET OVER THE FACT THAT YOU THINK YOU ARE BETTER THAN YOU ARE. TAKE THE MONEY AND ENJOY BEING ON A WINNER. MOST PLAYERS IN THE NBA WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOUR TALENT AND ACCEPT THE OFFER WITH A BIG SMILE ON THEIR FACES.

8-14-2009 @ 2:55PM

James Seahorn III said...

Whitney u fallin off. Odom is a good player and more than a sixth man. Da 10 mill is nice and he's a critical part to the lakers success. Come on whitney get serious

7-23-2009 @ 4:03PM

yokoach said...

it's the height of stupidity to compare oneself and the money offered to other people...the situations are always different. there will always be someone who gets paid more for what looks like the same job and some who get paid less. The real question is "what's truly important to you?" The $10 million (probably about take home $5 MIllion) per year, which anybody whose family isn't obsessed with living large can handle. or is the opportunity to play with an existing champion and potentially another ring availble to genuinely compete for...

7-23-2009 @ 5:16PM

FLOW said...

Ilove Lamar, and really hope he stays with the Laker'a. But this is a great example of what can happen when players allow agent's to control thier negotiation's. I'm sure if he had a chance, he would have taken the Laker's last offer. OK the staredown is over, let's sign this contract and get down to the business of deending the title.

7-23-2009 @ 6:20PM

MEK said...

What are the Laker's options. As they are well over the salary cap, if LO goes to Portland, can the Lakers use his 10 million per year on another free agent, or must the Lakers do a sign and trade in order to retain that cap space. Also, what other players are out there to pick up?

7-23-2009 @ 7:59PM

blblbl3 said...

The Lakers asked Odom to come off the bench last year IN HIS LAST YEAR OF HIS CONTRACT. He didn't whine. He said fine and was a team player all year. And now, people are implying that he is a 6th man not deserving of a contract as large as Turkoglu and Varejao????? What are you you, nuts?
If anything, he should be rewarded with a good contract rather than, in essence, being stabbed in the back for coming off the bench and being supportive.
And it is idiotic to argue he should take, say, 8 million and not be selfish. Every person tries to get as large of a contract as the market will allow.
I hope the Lakers don't screw this up. It could easily be the difference between the championship or not.

7-24-2009 @ 12:14PM

BILL said...

Not everyone goes for the big bucks! Haven't you noticed that Ron Artest took a big cut in pay to play for the Lakers?

7-24-2009 @ 6:12AM

marylulu325 said...

Lamar has contibuted a lot to the Lakers but he
is not a super star and to hear him complain
about what the Lakers are offering and for how long is ridiculous. Take the money and be on a team that will definitley be in the playoffs again and very possibly be in the finals and win
to boot. Look at some of the people that have moved to other teams and a majority of the time, it has not worked out so well. In any case.....
GO LAKERS

7-24-2009 @ 10:35AM

kj said...

What a lot of people as well as LO dont realize is that had he taken that 3 year 30 million dollar deal the lakers are saying to him that he is worth 3 years and 60 million because they are willing to go 10 million a year over the lux. tax to keep LO...In LA Lamar is loved more than him or his idiotic agent seem to realize...I think Lamar is comming to his senses though so for whatever team we meet in the finals Lamar and the Lakers will meet you there

7-24-2009 @ 3:28PM

ccmadonna said...

Dear Mr. Odom

I am offering you my service as your agent. Not only do I gaurantee a great contract, but I only charge 2%! And who gets all the $$$$ he deserves, why you Mr. Odom.

Please consider my services.
Carmen

7-30-2009 @ 1:24AM

Giles said...

Maybe the former Clippers, among other teams, coach, Larry Brown, will consider offering the former Clippers, among other teams, athlete, Odom, and/or Lee, and/or Davis starters money to player center for him instead of starting 6`6 Gerlad Wallace, his leading returning rebounder, at center, or even power forward, or maybe even Wing Forward. Wallace can play wing guard if they sign and start all three.