An LA Times writer recently suggested that Lamar Odom is looking for $10 million a year, and that San Antonio and Phoenix are trying to clear salary cap space to get a deal done with him.

Apparently, he forgot to check up on San Antonio's current salary cap situation before writing that. Click the link above for more on why that part of this rumor is pure nonsense.

As far as Odom goes, I'm having trouble believing the rumor that he is asking $10 million a year. He has already said he'd take a pay cut, and he has said repeatedly that he wants to stay in Los Angeles. I expect him to get $7 to $8 million, perhaps $9 million if the Lakers are feeling particularly generous and other teams are really going after him hard. Frankly, though, in this economy I'm not entirely convinced that any other team will be willing to pay Odom that much.

Phoenix? They're a more realistic possibility than San Antonio, I'm sure, but their ownership is not known for big spending. I doubt the desert penny pinchers will be willing to give Lamar $10 million a year.

In addition, I think Lakers management has made it abundantly clear over the last few weeks that they fully intend to keep both Odom and Ariza. So we'll see what happens, but at this point, I still think it simply comes down to L.A. being the best bet for both of these guys.