Los Angeles Lakers: Lamar Odom Wants To Return Despite Drug Issue

According to TMZ, former Los Angeles Lakers’ and Los Angeles Clippers’ forward Lamar Odom has been involved with serious drug addition for the past two years.  While he did receive temporary rehab a year ago and quit using during the 2012-13 season, he apparently dedicated this offseason to hooking back on to the crack cocaine.  With a family concerned and his marriage in the ruins, news leaked that Odom truly wanted to return to the Los Angeles Lakers for this upcoming season.

The latest news was just enough to worry everyone close to him, including his fans.  On Sunday, it was reported that Odom went missing after a mild confrontation with his wife, Khloe Kardashian.  Thankfully, it didn’t come down to any in-depth searches as Kardashian explained to the sources that Odom was at an undisclosed hotel in Los Angeles.  From what has been learned in the past two days, Odom is preparing to get the right help and guidance he needs in order to return to the game and ultimately save his life.

Lakers’ fans definitely remember Odom’s stint with the team, as he was a significant piece to the 2009 and 2010 championship rosters.  Coached by Phil Jackson, Odom served a successful role as the sixth man for the Lakers and created a dynamic duo alongside Pau Gasol in lineups that didn’t feature Andrew Bynum.  Over those two seasons, Odom averaged 11 points and nine rebounds per game, nearly a double-double off the bench.  Not many teams can say they have a guy capable of that in the secondary.

Odom’s best season?  Averaging 17.1 points, 9.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists in his one year with the Miami Heat (2003-04), he was already making his case as a top forward in the league during his fifth season.

Of course, that production occurred when Odom was 24 and 25 years old.  Now, turning 34 in November, it’s possible that Odom would just be a risk for the Lakers to take.

It does appear that Odom needs a change of heart and direction in his life.  The Lakers would undoubtedly give him the best environment to change, hence why he still wants to return.  Kobe Bryant would do his best to help one of his closest friends he’s had since Odom became a Laker in 2004-05.  But do the Lakers necessarily need Odom?

Could Odom return to being a vital bench player on the Lakers’ roster? Photo Credit: Flickr.com

The last thing Mike D’Antoni wants is another distraction for the team and a more negative atmosphere.  The additions the Lakers have made this offseason have all centered around creating a younger team to have more athleticism on the team.  Bringing in Nick Young, Jordan Farmar, and Wesley Johnson all ensure that this team can fit D’Antoni’s system in a better manner.  While the team reached out to the veteran Chris Kaman, it’s obvious that he has a higher chance of succeeding that Odom does.

Lamar Odom would add to the depth in the frontcourt, no question.  However, having a motivated Gasol, Kaman and Jordan Hill already in the rotation will make it difficult for Odom to have any role at all with this particular roster.

In the meantime of waiting for the fallout between Odom and his former team, supporters will be behind him through his drug rehab process:

"I hope my man and former Laker, Lamar Odom is doing okay."

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) August 26, 2013

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