The Los Angeles Clippers are on the verge of bringing back Lamar Odom, a risky move for a team with championship aspirations. His transgressions are well documented, from his relationship with his wife Khloe Kardashian to his drug abuse and DUI arrest earlier this year. The last thing the Clippers need is another distraction. However, Odom does posses something that no other Clipper player has: championship experience.
Head coach Doc Rivers isn’t bringing Odom in to play heavy minutes. Antawn Jamison is yet to see the court this season and Byron Mullens plays sparingly. Rivers is bringing Odom in because of his championship record. Rivers faced Odom twice in the NBA Finals when he played for the Los Angeles Lakers while no other Clipper player has made it to the big stage.
Odom will most likely ride the bench all season, only playing during garbage times or if someone gets injured. His numbers weren’t great last season. He averaged a career low in scoring and only played about 20 minutes per game. Rivers said that Odom is in good shape; but even so, don’t expect to see him play heavy minutes.
Odom has the chance to be a positive voice in the locker room. He has always been regarded as a great teammate and has a history with most of the guys on the team. It also doesn’t hurt that he will be playing for one of the best coaches in the NBA. He might not make an impact on the game, but his presence will be felt in the locker room and in the huddle.
Dan Lovi is an NBA writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DannyALovi. “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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