After losing to the Boston Celtics in the 2008 NBA Finals, the Lakers were on a mission to get back to the Finals and win their 15th title in franchise history. After 49 games, the Lakers were 40-9 and were on the road visiting the Cleveland Cavaliers who had not lost a game at home.
The game against the Cavs was the last in a six-game road trip and Kobe Bryant was battling the flu. Although Bryant was able to play, he was not himself and the Lakers would need someone else to step up to beat Lebron James and company. Lamar Odom would have a career night, scoring 28 points and grabbing 17 rebounds.
The Cavs couldn’t contain Odom in the paint as most of his 28 points were layups and put-backs. He finished 13-19 from the field and seven of his 17 boards came on the offensive glass. Odom had a double-double in the third quarter, scoring 15 points with 10 rebounds. The Lakers were down by 10 at the half, but Odom’s third quarter performance helped the Lakers grab a five-point lead going into the fourth quarter.
Odom would carry the Lakers to a 101-91 victory and give the Cavs their first home loss of the season. The Lakers contained Lebron James to 16 points and earned a tough road victory against one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference. While many expected this game to be Finals preview, the Cavaliers would lose in the Eastern Conference Finals and the Lakers would go on to beat the Orlando Magic 4-1 to win their 15th NBA championship.
Here is the video of Odom’s Performance Against the Cavs:
______________________________________________________________
Lakers Rumors: Kevin Love Favoring Los Angeles Lakers In Free Agency?
