Lakers owner Jerry Buss, an avid poker player, called Lamar Odom's bluff at the negotiating table Tuesday, following through with his threat to pull the offer to Odom.
The Lakers admitted that the offer Buss presented to Odom and his representatives has been available for over a week, but that because the unrestricted free agent never responded, Buss grew upset and broke off all negotiations.
Along with this…
Team officials also said Buss was not happy that Odom and Schwartz have been talking with the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat President Pat Riley about a deal, but have refused to talk to the Lakers.
The Heat and Mavericks can offer Odom only the mid-level exception of $5.8 million, but can give him a five-year deal up to $34 million.
Will the Mavs land Lamar Odom? My gut feeling says no, but it is interesting to think about. Would Odom improve this team? You would have to think so. He is long and athletic, which this team needs, but does he fill a need for the Mavs?
Im in the camp that says the Mavs have to do something with the center position. That is why I was so pleased with the Mavs for going after Gortat. (So much for that) Dampier is trash and something has to be done. Championship teams have quality big men in the middle and it’s hard to win without one.
Dirk has never played with a legitimate center that can score and I think his game would become even better if he had a quality big man in the middle. I love how this team is taking shape with bringing back Kidd and getting Marion, but there is still work to be done.
I am not totally against going after Odom, but Dallas still needs to make an upgrade over Ericka Dampier.
P.S. sorry for no new post yesterday. I didn’t feel like blogging. I should have some really good pictures to post tomorrow though.
