Lakers News: Lamar Odom reportedly discussed player-development coaching role with Lakers

Lamar Odom will forever be linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, rising as one of the best players in the league during his seven-season run with the purple and gold. He became a beloved figure during that time, and fans were thrilled to see him around the coaching staff during pre-draft workouts recently.

The Lakers and Odom discussed a player-development coaching role within the past several months, reports Shams Charania of The Vertical. It doesn’t sound like Lamar will be taking on that position just yet, though.

Odom sat down with Charania to discuss a variety of Lakers-related topics, even revealing that he’s also spoken with the franchise about signing a contract so he can properly retire as a member of the purple and gold.

When it comes to coaching, Odom was open about being unsure if he’s ready to make that kind of commitment to the franchise.

“I’ve thought about coaching with the Lakers, but I don’t know if I’m ready to commit myself,” Odom told Charania.

The Lakers could absolutely use the versatile big man with the sweet left hand to help teach their young core, but they also need him to be 100 percent ready for that type of mentorship role. Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka have been carefully rebuilding the culture within the franchise, and Odom’s history of substance abuse is something they’d have to keep in mind.

For now, it seems like the Lakers and Odom are mending the fence that was torn down following the Chris Paul veto. That he’s being honest with himself, and the Lakers, on his readiness to play a role with the coaching staff is one of the reason’s he was a beloved teammate and member of the franchise.