Odom didn't help his cause tonight either and Ariza has risen to the challenge of taking the starting job away from Odom. Ariza didn't shoot well tonight, but he was hustling and making things happen on both ends of the court. His anticipation to jump the passing lanes is a skill Odom never had, and Ariza does a better job of finding space and moving without the basketball. This is the 9th consecutive season Odom still can't post up or finish with his right hand and still can't shoot an 18 footer. Pathetic.
Odom has looked pathetic so far. He hasn't made a single impact in these two games. I don't think he's scored over 5 points. Who knows what the hell is wrong with him, but I'm sick of having this guy on our team. Hopefully he'll start stepping up soon (doubtful) or we trade him away. I'm kind of amazed actually. For a guy going into his contract year, I've rarely seen anyone so uninterested or lazy. Granted it is only preseason, but Lamar isn't doing himself any favors. He didn't even work at all during the offseason. Even Luke Walton was smart enough to hire a shooting coach and get in the best shape of his life during his contract year, even Eddie Curry went on a diet during his contract year. To me, Lamar just seems like a Tim Thomas who has already cashed in on his longterm deal and is just dogging it. Hopefully I'm wrong, but I'm very disappointed with him right now.
Tim Thomas looks better. I never liked Lamar. People said he was a playmaker and a rebounding machine. He is soft. His dribbling is so high and he runs wobbly. He can't shoot a jumper worth a damn, and he can't score with his right hand. I'm all for trading Lamar.
I've got a feeling on opening day our starting lineup is going to be: Fisher, Bryant, Ariza, Gasol, Bynum. Ariza is just playing so much better than Odom. He wants it more.
I'm normally the guy that defends Odom cause I think he is a "good guy" when it comes to just being a man.... but the more I read the harder it is to defend him. I think the trade rumors year in and year out are really getting to him now. With that being said, he's still on this team. He needs to get his head right and his game going or he's gonna end up on another squad. I know most of you wanna see him go but I'm still hoping he comes around and plays to the highest of his potential. It's unlikely, but if he does I dont think this team can be beat. If he doesnt, I dont think were gonna get much for him anyways. Im pullin for him.
Here's a nice breakdown by Reed from ForumBlueandGold on the best role for Odom. This is one of the reasons I'm in favor of Odom coming off the bench this season. He's far more effective and deadly at the PF position. He'd have a lot more freedom with the second unit because they play a more uptempo pace which Odom thrives at. He'll be able to grab defensive rebounds and then initiate a fastbreak with his ability to go coast to coast. Odom running the break with Sasha & Radman spotting up for 3 pointers should clear plenty of space for Odom to operate. If the defense collapses on him, he can kick it out for a wide open 3 pointer.
