No. 1 Concern for 2006-07: Lamar Odom

mike_dee23 · Franchise Player Joined: 03 Feb 2005 Posts: 11703

Now, I'm not a father and I have tried to place myself in Lamar's shoes after his son died. Impossible. I can't imagine the heartbreak and anguish he is going through on a consistent basis. I can honestly seem him say, "I don't want to play anymore." I doubt he's practiced at all during the summer, and I don't blame him. I also believe that one of the best remedies for whatever he may be going through is to do what he loves - play bball. But that first step is the hardest.

That said, I am really concerned that Lamar isn't practicing. Isn't conditioning. Isn't going to have his heart in the games next year at all. If he doesn't come out and play like Lamar in the second half of 05-06, the Lakers are screwed... I hate sounding like a heartless person, but yeah, honestly, what can we really expect for Lamar next year?

TooCool · Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 12:53 pm Post subject:

Or you can expect the total opposite, no? Where Lamar can play his heart out, for his son. =)
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lamarvelousodom · Starting Rotation Joined: 19 Aug 2006 Posts: 229

do you think there will be a moment of silence before game one...? maybe a black swatch added to the unis?

he_is_the_one · Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 1:11 pm Post subject:

baller · Starting Rotation Joined: 14 May 2005 Posts: 588

I don't know why its assumed he's not practicing or conditioning. He didn't commit to the usa team because he didn't want to be away from his family because of his loss. But that doesn't mean he's not going to train like he normally does. No one can sit and say how the loss will effect him. We just have to wait and see. Personally I think from lamars track record he'll have a great season. He's always been professional and given his all, and I think this season will reflect that.

mike_dee23 · Franchise Player Joined: 03 Feb 2005 Posts: 11703

lamarvelousodom · Starting Rotation Joined: 19 Aug 2006 Posts: 229

wolfpaclaker · Retired Number Joined: 29 May 2002 Posts: 58415

Odom will need a month of training camp to be ready. Last season he was far worse physically coming into the season and still managed 15/9/6 for the season.

Physically he is going to be far ahead of where he was last season. I don't expect him to lose any basketball skils and he always stayed in shape during his career.

The question is the mindset. Though, I'm more confident now with all these months passed that he will be ready.

The ONLY dissapointment we have had with him is that with the tragedy he probably didn't work out the way he had planned to on his right hand, jumpshot and strength. I would have really liked to see the results of that.

CorkyTomjanovich · Star Player Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 3486

You bring up a very good point. I can honestly see it going either way. I really hope he returns to form, but we will have to wait and see.

LkrsOvrMia · Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 2:19 pm Post subject:

AirKobe8 · Star Player Joined: 30 Jan 2005 Posts: 8586

You say he isnt practicing, but maybe he can practice even more so it gets easier to forget what happened.

Spending more time of the gym will get his mind away from that.
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lakersboy · Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 3:18 pm Post subject:

if you're lamar's wife would you be tell him to stay home and relax with you or to get out and work hard at his job?

LaLakers999 · Star Player Joined: 10 May 2006 Posts: 1103

if he starts out another lackluster performance like he did the first half of the 06 season... then i think Kupchak will have to think about the lakers future and Odom Trade Value.... Hopefully Odom will be in the right state of mind and get aggressive, angry, revengeful about his son and play his heart out day in and day out

japanesebeef1 · Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 4:48 pm Post subject:

This discussion is way out of line. If Lamar walked away from basketball . . . so what? Your petty little hobby is "screwed" because of someone's real life tragedy? Get a life. Whatever happens on the court this year is secondary to the real challenges and heartaches that many people . . . including basketball players . . . face. Quit whining in anticipation and just enjoy whatever happens. There's more to life (and death) than winning . . . . . . or whining about winning.

LaLakers999 · Star Player Joined: 10 May 2006 Posts: 1103

Raptor2k · Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 6:18 pm Post subject:

lol 999
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japanesebeef1 · Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 6:27 pm Post subject:

bynumisking · Starting Rotation Joined: 10 Jul 2006 Posts: 205

ChiefTriangle38 · Starting Rotation Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 305

sad but true, just speaks for the lack of depth on this team

Odom has to play at an incredible level simply to give Kobe time to rest

The role players have to contribute while only Odom is on the floor
Otherwise they will be useless without Kobe and Kobe will get worn out

wolfpaclaker · Retired Number Joined: 29 May 2002 Posts: 58415

Odom will be ready.

He and the Lakers are going to shock the world.

Vancouver Fan · Franchise Player Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Posts: 17740

All i would like to see is his d improved a little and for him to average close to 20 points per...you know the guy is money on the boards and can pass the rock. Lets see him dominate....let his versatility take over.

20/9/6 would be killer.
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24KB · Starting Rotation Joined: 10 Sep 2006 Posts: 128

even though lamar is having hard times this summer u will see him play just as good as he played in the playoffs because i think he;ll use that as inspiration and hopefully dedicate everygame to his son -... iim a new member here and finally made it

but ive been reading this for soooo long man i love this site

so yea lamar+kobe+ improved smush+vlad rad is not bad - i see the lakers in the playoffs again

24KB · Starting Rotation Joined: 10 Sep 2006 Posts: 128

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Magics80sLakersGOAT · Star Player Joined: 20 Jul 2006 Posts: 2017

Luca Brasi · Star Player Joined: 11 Jun 2005 Posts: 4207

my only concern for lamar this upcoming season is him wearing himself out killing people on the low block. go easy on 'em, bro. go easy.
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