Lamar Odom was one of the key players who helped the Los Angeles Lakers win back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2009. As a 6-foot-10 forward who could move like a guard, Odom’s presence was critical to Phil Jackson’s vaunted triangle offense.
Unfortunately, just a year after winning his second title with the Purple and Gold, Odom was traded to the Dallas Mavericks . It was a move that he felt ended his basketball career for good. Given the camaraderie he had built with Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, he didn't want to leave LA.
A heartbreaking separation
“That trade from the Lakers basically ended my career and purpose,” Odom told The Vertical, per Yahoo Sports. “I was never really myself ever again. Being in L.A., the structure, the people I knew, it hurt leaving. I had great memories with the Lakers, with Kobe and Pau. That was a special time in my life.”
To recall, Odom was part of the massive deal that brought Shaquille O’Neal to the Miami Heat. While the Kobe-Shaq era ended, some analysts were optimistic, given LO’s youth and unlimited potential.
The Lakers' front office, too, felt that Lamar needed just a few years to develop, and once he reached his peak, he would become a focal point of the LA’s quest for the title.
True enough, not only did the New York native help the purple and gold secure back-to-back titles, but he also won the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2011. And this is why it hurt so bad for Lamar to get shipped after all these great accomplishments.
“I got traded the season after we lost to Dallas in the playoffs, and I had won Sixth Man of the Year for the team. To trade me after winning Sixth Man of the Year… what else do I got to do? Why?” the former fourth overall pick said.
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Struggles in Texas
The Mavs gladly embraced Lamar, with head coach Rick Carlisle claiming they now have the best forward trio with Odom, Dirk Nowitzki, and Shawn Marion.
"Lamar Odom is a guy we have great respect for as a person and as an all-around player in this league. We feel he's going to add so many different dimensions for us - length, playmaking, scoring, experience, championship experience,” Carlisle said.
But as the season progressed, Odom’s lack of enthusiasm for his new team spilled into his on-court performance. From averaging 14.4 points and 8.7 rebounds the previous season with the Lakers, LO averaged just 6.6 points and 4.2 rebounds in Dallas.
It was a sad ending for the forward. Many felt the Lakers should’ve kept him because he could’ve still brought so much to the table. But alas, that’s how the NBA as a business works; proving loyalty is just a myth.
Related: Lamar Odom reveals Kobe Bryant came to him in his dreams: "The afterlife ain’t what people make it up to be"
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