Crazy thought: Lamar Odom?

I know Odom has made himself persona non grata amongst Blazer fans, but he really is a decent guy, and he's very underrated. He was unfairly blamed for all of the Lakers' breakdowns against the Celtics, when in fact he contributed as much as anyone to their success. He is a great defender, rebounder and passer and would give us the frontcourt depth we've been asking for. And of course, he WOULDN'T be on the Lakers.

I'd rather have him than Ariza, who is less talented, and a version of whom we have in Batum.

He's unrestricted, and the Lakers might lowball him....

(Granted I'd rather address our PG needs first, but if Sessions, Kidd and Miller go elsewhere I'd be happy to target Odom.)

 

I'd take him, but I think he's probably going to resign with the Lakers.

 

I'm going to forget you ever posted this idea, Rasta.

 

He makes Travis look like a rocket scientist.

 

Best idea I've seen on here. Hate the Lakers, but not the player. He's got game......like Pippen a point forward if need be......front to the basket, back to the basket, rebound and assist.

 

Yes, but think of this strategically.

Odom is a 4/3 and we have Aldridge playing 40 minutes in the playoffs. Ariza is a 3/2/4 and his strength - definsive wing player - is a better fit for our team, even if he is the far lesser talent.

Lakers have Ariza and Odom. Both unrestricted free agents.

They would like to keep both. Can't afford both.

In fact, they can't really afford Odom at all, unless he signs real cheap, which I doubt he would do unless he had no other offers, and the Lakers hang Ariza over his head to drive down his price.

The Lakers want to keep at least one of them.

If we use cap space to sign Ariza, then the Lakers 1) lose a player they like, and likely forces them to pay more to keep Odom, or end up having both walk for nothing. Don't look for a sign-and-trade of any real value involving Odom as the Lakers can't afford to take back a big, long contract (ie, no Richard Jefferson, Vince Carter, Gerald Wallace type guys coming back).

So, if we make a run at Odom, I think the Lakers let us take him, as they are torn about him, and worried about the money.

If we make a run at Ariza, either the Lakers are then forced to overpay for Ariza to keep him, forcing them to let Odom walk, or we get Ariza, weakinging a rival, and the Lakers are now in a much weaker position negotiating with Odom.

All that said, I would rather get a much better player with our cap space this summer.

 

I like Odom as a player, but I think he'd be too expensive.

 

I don't think the Lakers are going to be able to resign both Ariza and Odom. Either of them would be good fits in Portland. Ariza is a great defender who can shoot the 3.

 

Are people honestly advocating for two of the three most hated current Lakers coming to the Blazers?

-Pop

 

Yes, thanks for the compliments, and no, you cant have them

 

Well ... yeah. I think I could overlook a few things in order to get one of the best players in NBA history.

Odom or Ariza, though?

Not so much.

-Pop

 

See ... to me, I'd much rather have a guy like Tayshaun Prince. Proven player who helped his team win a championship. A small forward. Wouldn't take shots away from Brandon or LaMarcus but has the ability to hit open shots or drive when necessary. Can finish in the open floor. Can defend the other team's best wing player.

I'd be surprised if Detroit would part with him, but you never know after their implosion this year. They may be looking to rebuild. And the fact they kept their coaching staff in tact tells me that Dumars is probably looking to make some player moves instead.

They might be open to taking back some cap relief or draft picks from us in addition to guys like Frye, Sergio and Outlaw.

-Pop

 

Lakers would probably willing to trade Farmar for draft picks...Shannon Brown (who?) has been kicking ass and has a good chance to be the Lakers backup PG next year.

Food for thought: Farmar, a PG, shoot 59% FT's!!

 

Ariza is hated for one hard foul, where he wasn't trying to hurt Rudy. Ariza is a nice, humble you player by all accounts, so I've never hated him. I hated the foul, but if I hated every guy who committed a hard foul, I would have been mad if we got Brian Grant, Joel Pryzbilla, Buck Williams, and Greg Anthony coming to Portland.

 

Hard fouls are one thing. Crowing about it and trying to start a fight with anyone in the vicinity is another.

-Pop

 

I'd much rather Shannon Brown than Farmar.