It's not really a question of whether the Lakers trade Lamar Odom -- it's a question of who they trade him for.
No doubt, Odom is a talented player who probably will fare better as the team's third or fourth option. And the Lakers were two wins shy of an NBA title with him (and without Bynum).
So, why trade Odom? If Bynum was all the Lakers theoretically needed to handle Boston last June, how is Odom the problem.
The irony is, Odom really isn't the problem.
But, he isn't the solution, either.
Sure, Odom definitely can score, post-up, rebound, assist and ball-handle. Yet, many questioned his work-ethic and defensive intensity in the NBA Finals.
That work-ethic and defensive intensity is what the Lakers will seek, especially if they are not within a stone's throw of the league's best record at the All-Star break.
So, who is willing to take Odom of the Lakers' books, and who will be offered in exchange?
Before answering that question, one key factor to consider is that Odom will be an unrestricted free agent and the end of the season.
With a $14 million contract, there are several teams who would be more than thrilled to have such a large chunk of chage off their books -- especially teams looking to clear cap space in time for the summer of 2010, when the likes of Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh hitting the market.
Naturally, teams seeking to cash in in 2010 from now are prime candidates to partner with the Lakers by February 2009.
Here are a few prospects:
- Denver Nuggets: By far, the best possible scenario for both teams. Denver is looking to make drastic changes. While they may prefer to trade Allen Iverson, Odom's contract matches up nicely with Carmelo Anthony.
This may seem like an unfair trade favoring the Lakers, similar to the Pau Gasol deal. Los Angeles gets an All-Star player who can score, defend, rebound, assist and handle end-of-game situations.
So, what's in it for Denver?
Well, for one, an expiring contract.
Second, while Anthony has been awesome, the Nuggets have yet to advance in the playoffs since he arrived in 2003 -- even with Iverson. For all intents and purposes, Anthony may not be the Nuggets' savior.
Trade him now for value, before the stigma of playoff failure is attached to him (like Tracy McGrady).
Odds of trade happening? 9:2
- Charlotte Bobcats: A packaged deal involving Odom for Jason Richardson and Sean May would probably catch the Lakers' attention -- especially considering they almost drafted May ahead of Bynum in 2005.
The salaries match up just fine, and Odom's contract would free up enough salary for Charlotte to pursue two superstars in 2010. The Lakers get an athletic Richardson, who may be a better complement to Kobe than Odom ever will be. Plus, they get a back up big man in May, as an insurance policy just in case Bynum falters down the stretch.
Moreover, it gives Los Angeles the personnel they need to compete with the Celtics in a 7-game series.
This may turn out to be one of those trades that is enough to put the Lakers over the top.
Odds of trade happening? 10:1
- Detroit Pistons: Fans in Motor City are pressuring Joe Dumars to pull the trigger on a trade in order to add new life to the Pistons roster and maintain the team's elite status.
The only player Detroit can give up without completely tearing its roster apart is Rasheed Wallace, who will make just under $14 million this season. Both players have expiring contracts this year, so an Odom-Wallace trade would be a low risk for both teams.
It would be the ultimate "rental" trade. Neither team has much to lose -- both players have short-term upside with no long-term commitments. Both teams should seriously consider this trade.
Odds of trade happeing? 15:1
- Atlanta Hawks: Josh Smith seemed unwilling to stay in Atlanta for one more season, especially with Mike Brown as head coach. Smith would be the ideal replacement for Odom, he makes just under $4 million this season.
While he, too, is in the final year of his contract. if the Lakers want Smith for Odom, the Hawks need to add another player. Unfortunately, there is not the right combination of players to make this work without a third team involved.
Mike Bibby would have to be involved somehow, as his contract almost matches Odom's. The Lakers would have to include someone like Vladimir Radmanovic or Luke Walton in the trade for a three-way to work -- it's unlikely the Lakers will pick up Bibby, since they don't need help at the point.
Odds of trade happening? 25:1- Golden State Warriors: Teams rarely trade within division, but this might be one way to bring Ronny Turiaf back.
Many insiders say Al Harrington is on the block. Harrington is a similar player to Odom -- he is athletic, can score, rebound, ball-handle, even play a little defense. Combining his contract ($9.2 million) with Turiaf ($4.5 million) makes the trade relatively even.
Harrington has a player option in July, and there is no guarantee he will stay in Oakland. Trading him for Odom gives them value now, and cap space to either re-sign Odom or upgrade in the off-season.
The Lakers, in return, get Turiaf back (albeit at the higher contract price they did not want to pay in the first place), along with a viable Odom-replacement in Harrington.
Odds of trade happening? 33:1
- Miami Heat: Odom back in South Beach? Could be a possibility. Remember the success Miami had with Odom and Wade together?
In exchange, the Heat would have to part ways with Shawn Marion, which they apparently are willing to do. Unfortunately, Odom is a better all-around player than Marion. Further, Marion's defense is weaker than Odom's, so the Lakers do not upgrade with Marion.
This trade is unlikely.
Odds of trade happening? 50:1
- Dallas Mavericks: After his on-camera debacle and incriminating admissions, Mark Cuban may look to move Josh Howard before the trade deadline. Trading him straight up for Odom doesn't work -- he is schedule to earn just under $10 million this season.If Dallas throws in Eddie Jones (final year of his contract), and another benchwarmer, this trade could be intriguing. Cuban is trigger-happy enough to do it, and the Lakers get a respectable player in Howard.
But he is still a risky acquisition for L.A. There are still questions surrounding his mental stability, and no one knows how his attack on the national anthem will go over, even in laid back Southern California.
This trade is just too risky for the Lakers.
Odds of trade happening? 100:1
- Houston Rockets: Okay, so they just traded for Ron Artest. Why would they trade him to the Lakers? Well, Artest is so unpredictable, who knows what happens with him between now and the trading deadline. For all we care, he may wear out his welcome by then.But Artest's salary is half of Odom's, so Houston would have to through in a second player (like Shane Battier) or bring in a third team. Both options are unlikely, Considering that Artest is in the final year of his contract, the Rockets can electjust to wait it out and see how far the team could go with Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady and Artest.
Odds of this trade happening? 250:1
- New Jersey Nets: After trading away Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson, it seems logical that the next player to leave is Vince Carter. With the team's impending move to Brooklyn, the Nets figure to be yet another player in the free agent market of 2010.
Carter makes about $600,000 more than Odom, meaning the Lakers can throw-in a benchwarmer to even out a trade.
However, Carter is not as skilled as Odom, and does not compensate for Odom's weaknesses.
This trade makes little sense, at least from the Lakers' perspective.
Odds of this trade happening: 500:1
- New York Knicks: It seems like every other day, there is either a trade proposal or a buyout offer involving Stephon Marbury and/or Zach Randolph. The Knicks appear desperate to move either player (or both) in the fastest manner possible.
While the Knicks would love to have Odom on its roster -- he is a native New Yorker, and his expiring contract is very attractive. The only realistic trade would be Odom for Randolph, since they both make the same amount of money
The Lakers probably balk at this trade -- Randolph really doesn't fit in the Lakers offense, and his attitude is too much of a risk, even for Phil Jackson.
Odds of this trade happening? 10,000:1
- No Trade: Of course, come trading deadline, if Lakers are first in division, within a couple games of first place in the West, and striking distance from the best reacord in the leagu, then all bets are off and Odom remains a Laker.
Odds of this happening? 3:2
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Comments (10) Add A Comment
The Bobcats and or Nuggets trade is the only desirable trade mentioned here!
Darth Vader
Miamisburg , OH
Total Comments (22)
All you've accomplished by writing this article is to make Lamar feel bad.
This isn't sports journalism, it's uninspired fiction.
markelous
Mecca , CA
Total Comments (2)
Lamar's a talented player who has trade value. At least a few teams would be interested in having him because of his (large) expiring contract. If the Lakers can make a deal to improve the team, why not consider it?
Just because he may be sensitive doesn't mean I can't make observations about possible trades, whether realistic or not. Beside, I gave him a 3:2 chance of staying in LA -- far better odds than any of the trades I considered.
This is just observation -- I could care less who I inspire with this piece.
parimalrohit
Cypress , CA
Total Comments (14)
It occurs to me that someone writing in a public forum, whether they are "professionals" or bloggers,
have to carry some awareness about how it will impact the subject. Lamar is constantly being traded in the fantasies of people who have no power or say in the matter. If the Lakers can make a deal to improve the team --they will.. our observations mean nothing.
If you could care less about who you inspire, why did you spend hours writing the piece?
You inspired me at least, and that kid, to respond. Not the feedback of your dreams, I'm sure.
I think I'm just trying to defend a man that I've watched give everything he's got for the Lakers.
And if someone is hurt by being misprized constantly, that doesn't necessarily mean he's sensitive...
I was kind of raking you for your opinions, but here I am spouting mine..
markelous
Mecca , CA
Total Comments (2)
Lamar's definitely given his all to the Lakers, and I actually think he is a real nice guy.
Thing is, basketball has turned into a business (like all sports). Bottom line, as hard-working (and nice) as he may be, his expiring contract has a lot of value -- and the Lakers will at least consider offers, especially if things aren't going so well 45 games into the season.
Hey, like I said at the end, if the Lakers are near or at the top, Lamar stays in L.A. But it is a business, and, as you say, if the Lakers can make a deal to improve, they will. All players understand that, including Lamar. No player is untouchable.
As for awareness about impact on the subject, writers and bloggers are not limited to just "positive" pieces. If anything, posts such as this one should be taken at face value. I am not saying Odom SHOULD be traded, yet where he may go IF he is traded. I'd like to think Lamar is adult enough to know I am not personally attacking him.
Players are traded all the time, and Lamar is the kind of player who is talented enough to bait in a trade, especially considering he is in the final year of his contract. Now, if the Lakers offered an extension or committed to re-sign him in the off-season, then hey, odds are he's going no where for a long time.
I know I have no say in the matter. Ultimately, IF Lamar is traded, the scenarios I presented are the ones I think are possible, even if that possibility is remote (like a deal with the Knicks).
This isn't about fantasy. This about what teams could be potential trading partners in the event Odom is made available.
Let's be honest -- if the Lakers make a big trade to improve the team, Odom is the teams most "expendable" asset. He'd probably be offered ahead of Bynum, Gasol and Kobe. I really believe Lamar understands that.
If anything, he is probably more concerned about Phil Jackson bringing him off the bench as opposed to my thoughts on where he may be traded.
As to why I wrote this ... I just wanted to share my thoughts. My goal, at least with this particular blog, wasn't to inspire, just share my opinion. I'm not going to be butt-hurt if no one is inspired.
However, if someone cares to comment, disagree, discuss, whatever, that's fine. I welcome comments. Discussion is necessary. Disagreement is a good thing.
parimalrohit
Cypress , CA
Total Comments (14)
I would do the Nuggets one without hesitation. And maybe the Bobcats one too after thinking it over. But none of the others, unless we can get Josh Smith.
Ubershorty
Somewhere, ?
Total Comments (16)
Unless Odom excels in his new role AND is willing to re-sign for less, there is no way the Lakers are just going to let him and his expiring contract walk away, especially if they can improve the team immediately. It's just a waste of a huge attractive expiring contract and talent. I for one, hope Odom signs for less and really does well in his role as SF. I also hope that he puts the team and its future ahead of the money, but as we all know, money is talks.
geloman
Total Comments (5)
Versatility is going to be the lakers best strength this season and trading odom or gasol will negate that. If the lakers keep them both they will be able to match up with any other team in the league no matter how big, or small, or athletic they are the lakers will have an answer. Or the lakers will always have some type of favorable mismatch on the floor.
Most teams wth depth can only play 1 style but the lakers depth is different it allows them to adjust on the fly and plug in the player that fits the situation that they are in.
At the point guard spot there is Jordan and Fisher. they both can shoot, but fish is stronger and more experienced, while jordan is qucker more athletic and has a more complete offensive game.
At the 2 gaurd Kobe, the best player in the game and sasha a deadly 3 pont sniper who plays tenacious defense.
At SF lamar, (long rangy and has the skills to play just about any position. ) trevor, (the super athleat that runs the floor and is a shut down defender) luke, (a good passer, who can score n the post and rebound and shoot a little. He helps the offence to flow.) vladi, (possibly the best shooter on the team, quick and athletic for his size.
At the 4 spot gasol (most skilled offensive post player the lakers have, he runs the floor well and does a good job rebounding)
odom, (better suted to play face up power forwards, more athletic and better rebounder than gasol.) josh powll,( a beast on the bords and a banger that can muk it up inside)
at center andrew bynum (has the ability to have the biggest effeect on the game because of his defense, rebounding, and his efficiency when he gets shots close to the basket.) gasol, mihm /DJ = shot blockers, and extra fouls and extra bodies to combat fout trouble. all that being said its in the lakers best intrest to keep the players their have.
ronujthegreat
Port Saint Lucie , FL
Total Comments (2)
Even though they gave Camby away for practically nothing, Denver would not be stupid enough to get rid of a franchise player like Carmelo for a third option like Odom. No way, not happening.
Furthermore, saying that Marion would not be an upgrade over Odom for the Lakers is silly. Marion plays much better perimeter defense than Odom, is as good as if not better at rebounding, and can shoot better from three. He also doesn't have a reputation for being "soft" like Odom does.
The Lakers need a bonafide small forward who can shoot from the outside and play perimeter defense since they already got Bynum and Gasol down low. Odom is normally better suited to play power forward, but unfortunately he lacks the power. I'd definitely take Marion over him in the Laker lineup.
mcmokken
Lynnwood , WA
Total Comments (1)
this bonafide sf everyone is looking to trade for is named Trevor ariza the lakers already have him. Sure i like the Vince, Richard Jefferson, melo, coron butler, tayshawn prince, marion rumors / trade talks as much as the next laker fanatic but its all a bunch of wishful thinking that has about a 1% change of actually happening. The Zen Master is seriously thinking of starting ariza (aka GET IN MY POSTER) because he sees that lamar as the forth option on the court behind kobe, pau, and drew will have little to no effect on the game. (he's not going to look for his shot with 3 superior offensive players on the court, his rebound totals will plumit since 2 other 7'ers will constantly be closer to the basket than him, and he will be forced to gaurd sf wich are quicker and more athletic than he is) That is why i see ariza starting because he can guard any perimeter player thrown at him, he can score by cutting and slashing to the bucket when there is a double team, and his perimeter shot is a little better than lamar's.
Lamar if he accepts the role of scorer could be a monster of a 6th man off the bench. (pf to slow for him, sf to small to gaurd him) He'd be the focal point of the offense and then you soround him with 3 point snipers that will push the ball and run (jordan,sasha,vladi,) and a guy to grab boards and block shots like (powl,mbenga,mihm,) and you have the recipe for the 1 of the most potent benches in the league. Phil could probably even work it so that lamar would still get starter quality minuets. There would also be opportunities to go with lamar and bynum or lamar with gasol at the pf and C. since we alredy no how well those combos work.
Ronuj
Port Saint Lucie , FL
Total Comments (2)
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