Every team needs a player who fills in virtually every position and someone who does the “dirty” work. Looking back in history, every championship team had a role player who was an essential part to their success.
In the 1980s the Lakers’ unsung hero was Kurt Rambis, followed by Rick Fox and Robert Horry in the early 2000s.
In the current Lakers, their “x-factor” is Lamar Odom, otherwise known as Mr. Versatile. Odom has the ability to play either power forward or point guard, and he offers them an immediate spark off the bench. Lamar Odom is never considered one of the best players on his team, and despite his stellar stats, he has never been named an All-Star.
It makes you wonder, is Lamar Odom the most underrated player in the NBA?
Next: Early Years
Early Years
Lamar Odom came into the league after having a successful career at the University of Rhode Island. At Rhode Island, Odom averaged 17.8 ppg, 9.4 rpg, and 3.8 apg; however, there was not much hype surrounding him.
Odom’s under-appreciation continued despite his jaw-dropping numbers during his rookie season in the NBA. As a rookie, Lamar Odom averaged nearly a double-double but was not selected as Rookie of the Year.
The honor was shared between Elton Brand and Steve Francis, while Odom only received three first place votes.
His first stay in Los Angeles quickly ended, and Odom soon joined Dwayne Wade and the Miami Heat. In South Beach, Odom continued to put up stellar numbers and he was a key piece to the Heats playoff run.
In his one season with the Heat, Lamar Odom averaged 17.1 points per game, 9.7 rebounds per game and 4.1 assists per game. And just like his previous years in the NBA, Odom was not named an all-star.
Once again, Lamar Odom did not receive a lot credit for the services he provided his team. The spotlight and the praise were given to Wade, while Odom was left behind to watch.
To further exemplify the lack of respect given to Odom, the Miami Heat shipped him to the Los Angeles Lakers after one year.
Next: Life in Los Angeles
Life in L.A.
Lamar Odom returned back to Los Angeles, but this time he would wear “Lakers” across his chest. At that point, the Lakers were rebuilding after the Kobe-Shaq era had ended. Odom was not the most talked about player in the trade, instead it was forward Caron Butler. Just like in Miami were Odom backed up Dwayne Wade, he had to back up Kobe Bryant and Caron Butler in Los Angeles.
Lamar Odom continued to stuff the stats with the Lakers, despite the fact that the Lakers were not a title contender. Odom played hard every game, and he was arguably the second best player on the team.
As the years moved on, the Lakers became championship contenders and Odom became a better player. In the previous two titles, Odom played a crucial role for the Lakers off the bench. The Lakers would not have won the championships if it were not for the versatility of Lamar Odom.
Odom is currently in his seventh season with the Lakers and he has averaged nearly 14 ppg, 8.9 rpg and 3.8 apg.
There have been many seasons in which Lamar Odom has put up All-Star numbers, but was selected as a participant. And this season is no different.
The first All-Star returns came in a few days ago, and once again Odom is not one of the leading vote getters. Despite his unforgettable plays and his stellar stats, Lamar Odom never gets enough recognition for his efforts.
The only thing missing from Odom’s career is an All-Star jersey with his name across the back.