Article by Dennis Macklin

Lamar Odom has always been a good player, albeit at times an enigma, but I think it’s fair to say that his name does not come up when discussing the league elite. That could change in 2006 because if the Lakers first two games are any indication, the 6-foot-10 shooting forward out of Rhode Island appears to be on a mission.

After just two games, Odom is averaging 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game for the Kobe-less Lakers.

In Tuesday’s 114-106 opening night win over Phoenix, Odom played 44 minutes dropping 34 and 13 on the Suns including seven points of a 13-1 run midway through the third quarter that put things away for the Lakeshow. Odom also played excellent defense in holding “The Matrix” Shawn Marion to just 16 points and helping in the paint.

On Wednesday, the Lakers (who are notoriously bad in the second of back-to-backs) traveled to Golden State and blew out the Warriors 110-98. Odom had 22/9/9 in a workmanlike 33 minutes and managed to get everyone involved on the offensive end including Ronny Turiaf 23/8 and Luke Walton 15/6.

Odom has always had the talent. He was lost for the first four years of his career with a bad Clipper outfit where he was often hampered with injuries. Odom went to Miami in 2003 as a restricted free-agent signing and was poorly used by the directionless Heat. He was sent packing back to LA the following year as part of the mega deal involving Shaquille O’Neal.

Odom has not always been a favorite of Laker Coach Phil Jackson as he was slow to embrace the triangle offense and basically lost trying to adapt his own game around that of Kobe. He showed signs in the second half of last year helping lead the Lakers from near oblivion at the halfway mark to a playoff berth.

I was fortunate enough to get to know Lamar a little during his college time at UNLV. We watched the Tyson-Holyfield ear bite fiasco and an NBA draft at a mutual friend’s house and I found him to be extremely sharp with a great sense of humor. He was also humble and sincere, rare qualities in today’s athlete.

Odom lost a six-month-old son during the off season, a tragedy no parent should have to endure. I’m not qualified or bold enough to say that this would account for a more mature and focused Lamar Odom but I would have to think that it put a lot of things in their true perspective.

Lamar Odom and the Lakers are both off to fast starts. Is this a breakout year for Lamar Odom? I hope so.

About the Author

Dennis Macklin is a documented member of the Professional Handicappers League.
Read all of his articles at www.procappers.com/Dennis_Macklin.htm

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