Odom to San Antonio Not Happening

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.

about 1 year ago Josh Tucker 16 comments 0 recs |

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well asking for 10 mil a year is a pay cut, for he used to make 14 mil a year. going down to 7 mil is a substantial pay cut. that’s half of his former annual salary. the marker it is not very competitive this year, which helps the lakers. also, some teams are waiting for next year’s free agent class—wade, bosh, james, nash, possibly even bryant. or did wade finally sign the extension? i wouldn’t be devastated if odom were to leave and if we keep ariza. i would be if both leave. there’s also word that we might pursue artest if we fail to bring both the Trev and LO back.

by chaucer on Jul 1, 2009 10:04 AM PDT reply actions

Actually he made 11 million last season.

by intuitive on Jul 1, 2009 2:44 PM PDT up reply actions

But it counted as $14m against the cap, which is probably how he got mixed up.

by Darkemans on Jul 1, 2009 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions

if odom were to go to the spurs, i think i’d hate him.

by chaucer on Jul 1, 2009 10:19 AM PDT reply actions

thanks for some debunking...

…there’s a lot of rumor stuff being hastily posted these days

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

by Justin N. on Jul 1, 2009 11:18 AM PDT reply actions

The playoffs can become a sore point for West, a 14-time All Star, who, despite nine trips to the NBA Finals, remains haunted by his inability to collect more than one ring as a player, that coming in 1972 against the New York Knicks.

i didn’t know he lost 8 of 9 times in the finals. so why is he called the clutch?

by chaucer on Jul 1, 2009 11:59 AM PDT reply actions

Did you ever see him play?

Like Kobe he was the man to go to whenever Lakers needed 2 points. West was a clutch player regardless of his final series record.

by Jello Is Jiggling on Jul 1, 2009 3:00 PM PDT up reply actions

no, unfortunately, i wasn’t born during his era. to my delight, however, i was able to see my favorite player of all time, magic johnson.

by chaucer on Jul 1, 2009 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions

Portland is closing in on a five-year, $50 million offer to Hedo Turkoglu, according to a report from Yahoo!

If things end up falling apart, the Blazers would then likely turn to David Lee.

by intuitive on Jul 1, 2009 2:45 PM PDT reply actions

what is portland doing? they have too many offensive minded players on that team. there aren’t enough shots to go around for all of them.

by chaucer on Jul 1, 2009 3:24 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm just waiting to see how everything plays out, these few days will be interesting but

I have a feeling the Lakers will be fine because they don’t want to risk losing Kobe and everyone else is making moves Lakers management MUST keep the team together.

There are basic Fundamentals that are needed to move forward in this game. Always keep your guard up at all times to avoid being caught in a trap. Overcome the fouls that will be commited against you REBOUND AND PRESS ON. ADJUST to the LimeLight: ALL-STAR PLAYERS ARE ALWAYS THE CENTER OF ATTENTION. Know what your role is and play your position. Find a game plan and execute it. REMEMBER YOU ONLY GET OUT OF THE GAME WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT.

by BrittneyM on Jul 1, 2009 3:48 PM PDT reply actions

According to ESPN, Detroit is signing Villanueva and Gordon.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4301111

by Darkemans on Jul 1, 2009 4:56 PM PDT reply actions

Just to clarify, this is good for the Lakers, because that's one less team that might go after LO.

by Darkemans on Jul 1, 2009 4:57 PM PDT up reply actions

The Pistons have reached a deal in principle with Ben Gordon, a source with knowledge of talks tells Adrian Wojnarowski.

The deal is believed to be worth $55 million over five years.

by intuitive on Jul 1, 2009 5:04 PM PDT up reply actions

Memphis and OKC are the only teams that can offer Ariza a big contract (8-9million). Detroit is probably out of the question now that they’ve signed CV and Ben Gordon (come to an agreement at least). I hope Mitch doesn’t end up essentially bidding against himself and over paying for Ariza.

by intuitive on Jul 1, 2009 6:08 PM PDT reply actions