Adam (Orange, CA): With the Clippers it seems theres never an expectation of making the playoffs, but with the Lakers it's a different story, do you feel a difference in pressure since you've become a Laker? Lamar Odom: Two different organizations and two ways of doing things. Of course there's a difference, and this year there's not much. Both are playoff bound and both expect to win, but of course the traditions are different. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nguyen (Los Angeles, CA): Lamar, I've been a fan of yours ever since you came to Los Angeles in '99. What do you think is the reason for the Lakers' inconsistancy--beating Detroit & San Antonio one week and then dropping to Seattle & Sacramento? Lamar Odom: The biggest reason is obviously our team defense. It has to get better for us to be a realistic playoff threat. When a team is not playing to its potential on defense there is going to be some inconsistency, expecially on bad shooting nights. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dave (New York): Kobe's scoring explosion seemed to fire you guys up, but the real sucess has come lately when he doesn't score as much. Any comment? Lamar Odom: Kobe is the best offensive player in the league and there will be nights he goes off, but there are still little things to be done. He can carry us at times, but everyone has to contribute in some way for us to win basketball games. And of course when we get everyone involved in the offense it helps our chances a lot. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fresno, CA: What are your thoughts on Andrew Bynum and his progression thus far? With Mhim out for awhile do you think Bynum will be able put up some quality numbers? Lamar Odom: Andrew is getting better every day. I don't think we need big-time numbers from him, just big minutes. He's a legit guy and he gets to work with Kareem every day. He will keep improving and I look forward to him really helping us protect the basket on defense. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- T (Columbus, OH): Lamar - any comments on J Jackson since joining the team? Are you guys excited to possibly have a consistent bench scorer? Lamar Odom: More than his scoring what's important is to have veteran leadership. We missed Aaron McKie when he got hurt, not just on the floor but in the lockerroom, and at this time of year it's important to have guys who have been here before and knowing what it takes to win games. His scoring is nice, but he's a leader, too. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Derek (Marietta, PA): Lamar, what is the best part about playing with Kobe? Lamar Odom: I learn a lot playing with Kobe. He's helped my competitiveness and focus, and watching him will himself to do things has helped me. And when people come to see Kobe play they get to see everyone elese out there, and there have been times I've been able to feed off him and see my own popularity grow a little bit. It's been a good experience. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Young(Memphis, TN): Watching Ronnie Turiaf, from his energy and passion and skill level, I believe he has the potential to be a really good starting 4, do you see that in his game? Lamar Odom: Definitely. He has tremendous energy, a great personality and a great teammate. We could have used him earlier this year and he definitley has a long career ahead of him. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Steve, Brooklyn,New York: have you been able to adapt to the triangle offense eventhough it really dosent fit your style of game Lamar Odom: I think it fits my game, it just takes some time to get used to. It's an intricate offense and it takes at least a full season to know it inside and out. I've had times where I've flourished and others when it's hard to find my way around. But I feel comfortable now and I feel I can do anything in it, but I still feel I haven't reached my potential in this system. Another year or two with Kobe in this offense we're going to be competing for a championship. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lamar Jr.: Lamar, I know you take pride in your versatility and inside out game. But would you say you're most comfortable facing up and in the open floor than you are posting up with your back to the basket? Or the other way around? Lamar Odom: Part of being versatile is taking what they give you. It's not about preference. I'll post up a small, quick guy or I'll face the basket against a bigger guy with slower feet. And I like to push the ball when I rebound. But it's all about taking what you're given. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jack (Redmond, WA): What has it been like for you to play for Phil Jackson? Lamar Odom: It's been a pleasure. I've learned a lot in just a few months. My basketball IQ has gone up and I've become a better competitor. It's been incredible playing for a guy like that. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arman Fresno, CA: You have had the opportunity to play with and against a lot of players. Who would you say is your favorite player to play with and who is your fav to play against? Lamar Odom: My favorite guy to play with? I had a great time with Brand, Wade, Haslem, Caron Butler, Kobe. Hard to pick just one. I love playing against Kevin Garnett and Ron Artest, guys who do everything to win. And the guy I mentioned playing with were also great to go against every day in practice. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jorge (Chicago, IL): Lamar Huge Laker fan here. you've had some recent comments that your team plays up, or down to the level of competition. How do you stay focused as a team. And is Kobe hitting the wall b/c of the load he's had to carry this year? Lamar Odom: Winning is the one thing that keeps players focused. The push to make the playoff should be all the focus we need. And I don't think Kobe will hit the wall. He is so mentally tough and so physically strong and he can shake off bad games and bad shooting nights. And he can pass and defend, too. I worry most about our team defense. If that doesn't get fixed we'll have a short season ahead of us. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Derek (Raleigh, NC): What was your Olympic experience like? Lamar Odom: Right now it has to be the highlight of my career. I always wanted to wear that USA uniform, and being coached by that staff and playing with those players was tremendous. I'll always cherish that. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Don (Long Beach, CA): Hey Lamar...I'm heading to Staples in a few hours to watch you guys take on Garnett and the Wolves. What can we expect from you guys tonight that just didn't happen the last two games? Lamar Odom: We're definitely gonna have to play hungry. We put ourselves in a bit of a bind losing the last two and we just have to come out and protect our home court. I look for a lot of tenacity and intensity tonight. Lamar Odom: I have to get prepared for the game, but thanks to the fans for all the support this year and throughout my career. Talk to you again soon!
Lamar with a near triple doube against the Timberwolves again! Lately he's been playing well, with more consistancy than ever. I don't think we've seen him play this well for this short span since he's been here. Hopefully he can carry this on so we make the playoffs.
