Lamar Odom can beat his opposition in a plethora of ways. With his length, passing, and ball handling gives him the ability to play as a point guard. He has an uncanny knack for rebounding and his left-handed finger roll is simply amazing.
All of this is great…when it happens.
Odom has once again faded from the box scores for the Lakers.
Its to no surprise of many LA fans. But it is a bit of a nuisance.
A player with such talent but never seems to have that aggressive edge to get it done.
Consider Odom as the kid in class with the right answers, but rarely raises his hand.
The often passive-aggressive Odom ignited in the Western Conference Finals, averaging a double-double. Silencing the “lucky” statement pulled out by Amar’e Stoudemire after Lamar stole the show with 17 points and 15 rebounds.
But in the finals this year, he’s only just hit the double-digit threshold; with 12 points on 5-5 shooting. His game however, is rebounding.
A rebounding Lamar is a successful Lamar. And it translates to the Lakers’ success always.
I remember in February 2009, Bynum was once again injured and would be out for the rest of the season. With a tough road trip ahead against big names like Boston and Cleveland, many critics believed the Lakers would lose each game.
But Odom single-handedly stole the show.
Against the season’s main attraction, Cleveland, Lamar picked a part the Cavaliers front court. Picking up 17 rebounds to go along with 28 points. Seven of the rebounds were offensive.
In Boston, he played great help defense against Garnett and also went for 20 points in the game.
The Lakers played harder in both games. And won both as well.
This was Lamar at his potential.
