Lamar Odom Re-Signs with Los Angeles Lakers
Forward Accepts Deal to Remain with Championship Team
Jul 30, 2009
The Los Angeles Lakers continue to tighten their grip around the necks of the other NBA teams. Earlier today, the Lakers announced that they have reached a contract agreement that will keep Lamar Odom playing in L.A.
After losing guard Trevor Ariza earlier this free agency period to the Houston Rockets, the Los Angeles Lakers vowed they would not stand to see another pivotal player walk to another team. Rumors floated around the league last week that Odom would sign with the Miami Heat if he and the Lakers could not agree to terms.
Contract talks between Los Angeles and Odom went sour earlier this month when Lakers owner Jerry Buss pulled a 9 million dollar offer per year from the table, after he learned that Lamar was also in contract talks with the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks.
Miami Heat Pushed Hard for Odom
All-star Dwyane Wade played the role of a recruiter this past week and did everything he could to see Odom in a Heat jersey again. Lamar was part of the recent Heat championship team, and was strongly linked to a return in Miami if contract talks did not progress with Los Angeles. Miami was willing to offer Odom a five-year deal valued at $34 million. The final year of the deal would have allowed Odom to re-enter into free agency if he were to choose that path.
Lamar's experience and leadership would have been of great value to the younger players on the Heat Roster. Odom would likely have assumed a starting role with the Heat, and would have been a dangerous presence to have on the court at the same time as Wade.
Lamar Odom Signs with Los Angeles Lakers
For Lamar, the task of having a difficult decision to make, ultimately provided Lakers owner, Buss, the time he needed to iron out any differences, and come to a final resolution to keep Odom in L.A.
Actual terms of the contract have not been released yet, however sources around the league believe the agreement is for four-years at a rate of $33 million. The fourth year is speculated to be a team option.
Odom expressed to the media his excitement to continue playing for his championship defending team. He also explained his interest in playing with long time friend, Ron Artest, who was grabbed by the Lakers a few weeks ago. Lamar admitted that while contract negotiations were rough at first, he never felt like he could just walk away from a great situation.
"I'm playing for the biggest brand in the world. And I'm playing with the most fluid, talented center in the world in Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum's coming back and of course Kobe Bryant." Said Odom.
Sources: ESPN
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