Odom Outcome Could Be Key To Lakers Betting Odds

The Los Angeles Lakers are the defending NBA champions, but that does not mean that management has given a championship effort this off season so far. True, they signed Ron Artest, but letting Lamar Odom walk away could end up being a major mistake for one of the most storied franchises in NBA history.

All Odom did this year was deal with his demotion from the starting lineup with class and dignity. He did everything the Lakers asked of him, and then some. He was even willing to give the Lakers a major hometown discount to stay in L.A.

Management, however, is playing hard ball with Odom. They offered him a three year contract worth nine million a year, over three years. Odom pushed for a fourth year, and it may end up being a move that makes Odom change his home address to one in South Beach.

The Heat never had a chance to land Odom when the off season began. Odom was going to do anything he could to stay in L.A. The Lakers even went out and signed his best friend, Ron Artest, almost guaranteeing that Odom would be back in the purple and gold next year.

But then a funny thing happened. Egos got involved. Lakers owner Jerry Buss pulled the initial offer from the table, and Odom began talking to the Heat. They offered him two more years, and millions of more dollars to sign with Miami. Still, Odom is holding out hope that the Lakers will put their initial offer back on the table, but the Lakers are balking.

What Los Angeles would lose if Odom walks could be devastating, much more devastating than the extra money that would have to be shelled out to keep Odom in L.A. The chance to repeat would all but be thrown out the window. Although Artest is an upgrade, the loss of Odom and Trevor Ariza would take away the one thing they had that other teams did not this past year-their depth.

Andrew Bynum could end up being an all star center if he can stay healthy for a full year, and Artest's toughness may be enough to carry the Lakers through the regular season. When playoff time comes, however, and the bright lights come on, one player can be the difference, and that player may be suiting up for Miami, not Los Angeles, next year.

Lamar Odom has done what he was asked, and now it is time for Lakers management to reward that type of player. In most cases in sports, players threaten to leave on an almost yearly basis if their contract is not re-negotiated. Even Kobe Bryant played with Lakers fans hearts a few summers back.

Odom represents what every sports fans want in their sports heroes. A player who will give 110%, and will not complain about playing time, or contract status. One who will not threaten to leave every time they are frustrated. Odom is that player, and the Lakers should recognize who he is, even if it means a few extra bucks out of their pockets.

July 28, 2009
Posted By Vincent Tapoglia III
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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