Last summer, the Miami Heat tried to lure Odom away from the Lakers, likely with the promise of a larger role. But Kobe Bryant(notes) also made a strong recruiting pitch for Odom to stay. Said Bryant: “All I said is, ‘If you leave, I’ll kill you.’ ” Odom elected to stay, signing a four-year, $33 million contract, the last season of which isn’t guaranteed. While Odom will likely end his career without a single All-Star appearance, he’s willing to play a reduced role to chase championships.
