<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">EL SEGUNDO ? Lakers coach Phil Jackson said early last season he would observe Lamar Odom and make a determination whether Odom merited status as a team captain with Kobe Bryant. Jackson never gave Odom the official designation. But Bryant began regularly waving to Odom and saying: "Come with me." So Odom became Bryant's regular partner at pregame meetings with referees and opposing captains. This season, Odom is hoping to clarify his leadership position. Just as he did after his grandmother's death in 2003, Odom is attempting to take the grimness of his infant son's death June 28 as an impetus to grow more serious about his profession. "I'm into this mature thing right now," Odom said Tuesday. <font color=""Red"">"I'm as focused as ever." </font></div> Source
Well, seeing from his updated pics, Odom has definetly lost some muscle. In order for him to be a good leader, IMO, he has to lead on the court as well. It's good to see he is focused. The guy has loads of potential, and if put into use, he could be a top player in the league. His first priority right for basketball is to get back into shape. Nobody knows how he is dealing with the death of his baby, but lets just hope he is starting to let go....
Athletes always recover fast when they need to rebuild themselves. Im sure ODOM will as well... Im glad he is taking things more seriously. Im really looking forward to a more mature Laker basketball team.
