Odom received this recognition Tuesday as he became the first Laker to be awarded the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award. The Sixth Man award isn’t just another accolade though for the Lakers forward, as it means so much more, as it vindicates the sacrifices in which Odom has made for the good of the team.
The award also symbolizes how strong willed Odom is, as he has went through more trials and tribulations than the average person, yet LO has risen above all of these barriers in order to become one of the best players in the NBA today.
Next: Lamar’s overcomes adversity off of the court
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“There’s a couple of people who I wish were here to see it,” said an emotional Odom during the announcement of the Sixth Man of the year on Tuesday.
Odom had every right to be emotional after receiving his first major individual honor of his career, after all Odom has dealt with more tragedy than the average Sixth Man.
Those people Odom was referring to were likely a few close to him who he has lost throughout his life. When Lamar was only 12, he lost his mother to colon cancer, then another 12 years later Odom lost the grandmother who raised him.
Unfortunately for Odom death did not leave his life, as he lost his infant son, Jayden to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in 2006. For Odom this was another blow, which ultimately led him to consider retirement.
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It is fitting that only one of the league’s best rebounders could bounce back from such tragedy, but Lamar did just that. While the tragedies still give him a heavy heart, Odom has since been married to Khloe Kardashian.
Odom is now making a name for himself both on and off the court teaming with his wife for a reality show and even a fragrance, proving he is just as versatile off the court as on it. Hopefully tragedy will not rear its ugly head into Odom’s life again, as Odom’s off the court success has translated into one of his best seasons.
Next: How LO went from under achiever to champion
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When Lamar Odom was drafted with the 4th overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers in 1999 he came with high expectations. The versatility of Odom even drew some comparisons to Magic Johnson.
As a Clipper Odom played well as he was named to the NBA’s All Rookie team, but controversy eventually clouded Odom’s Clipper tenure. In 2001 Odom was suspended for violating the league’s drug policy, which was believed to be for marijuana.
Odom then left the City of Angels for South Beach as he joined the Miami Heat. He was effective for Miami but was traded after just one season there in the mega deal that sent Shaquille O’Neal to the Heat.
As a Laker, Odom came with high hopes once again, as many Lakers fans saw Odom as Kobe Bryant’s potential Scottie Pippen-like sidekick. In his first three seasons with the Lakers injuries and inconsistency foiled Odom’s play.
“There was a point in my career where I think people were ready to call me an underachiever,” Odom said.
Odom was indeed the center of much trade talk, but in 2008 the Lakers acquired Pau Gasol and Odom’s role was changed. No longer did LO have to be the sidekick, now he could just provide a little bit of everything, perfect for a versatile player like Odom.
Odom has since excelled in this role, often being seen as the Lakers’ X-Factor during the Lakers’ back-to-back championships which came in 2009 and 2010. While Odom was a double-double machine during this time period, consistency was still an issue, until now.
The 2010-2011 season has marked Odom’s best to date, which is why he was given the recognition as the NBA’s best sub. Whether it be starting or coming off of the bench, Odom has appeared in all 82 games for the Lakers, quite the feat for a player who used to have trouble staying healthy. In those games Odom has averaged nearly 15 points and 9 rebounds per contest while shooting career best percentages from the floor and from beyond the arc.
Whether Odom’s great play this season has been the result of his World Championships experience or another factor remains to be seen, but many would say that Lamar Odom has been the most consistent Laker this season. Aren’t you glad the Lakers didn’t pull the trigger on one of those rumored trades involving him?
So in the midst of his journey for a third championship, it seems as if Lamar has finally brought all of “The Goods” to the table, and has been rewarded for it, but these rewards did not come without sacrifice.
Next: Individual Sacrifices lead to team success
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Unselfishness may be Lamar’s best trait, as his willingness to do what is best for the Lakers has propelled the team into a potential dynasty. Odom’s commitment to winning is something that should not be undervalued.
At the beginning of the 2008-2009 season many assumed that Lamar would slide to the small forward spot with the return of Andrew Bynum from injury, Phil Jackson had other plans. Soon, for the first time in his NBA career, Odom would be coming off the bench, a role in which he was reluctant to fill initially.
Odom eventually embraced the role and became the glue that kept the Lakers, sometimes inconsistent bench together. Although Odom was the leader of the bench mob, this role would only be temporary as Odom would be forced to step into the starting role for injured Andrew Bynum.
Since that initial season of coming off of the bench the once reluctant Odom has now gotten used to coming off of the bench. Odom’s acceptance of his sixth man role is one that few players of his caliber would take, but Odom is ultimately willing to sacrifice his individual accolades for the best interest of his team.
Odom’s acceptance of his sixth man role is not the only evidence of his unselfishness. With his abilities Odom could be a shoot first player, and could put up monster stats. Odom doesn’t do this though as he knows that he is third or sometimes fourth in line for the Lakers when it comes to scoring, allowing him to do what he does best, be a player who does a little bit of everything.
Odom also sacrificed during his free agency in 2009. Many players would have been satisfied with one championship and would have opted for more money and a bigger role. Odom did not, as he not only gave the Lakers a discount price, but he also happily returned to his sixth man role.
Odom’s value to the Lakers can’t be understated, without Odom the Lakers do not win the last two championships. His ability to do anything on the floor and his commitment to winning has been one of the key factors for the Lakers and their hopes at a 3-Peat.
While the Lakers’ journey to a third consecutive championship is far from over, the sixth man should receive unlimited credit for his efforts this year and past years. Odom has overcome adversity, injuries and turned it into triumph. While Odom was snubbed of the all star that has eluded him, his recently won Sixth Man of the Year proves that his sacrifices, growth and basketball skill have all been noticed.