Lamar Odom Claims Lakers Trading Him Ended His NBA Career

At one point in his NBA career, Lamar Odom was considered to be one of the most versatile players in the league. The former Los Angeles Lakers star could seemingly do anything on the basketball court as he helped lead the team to back-to-back NBA titles alongside Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol.

Unfortunately for Odom, the team tried to trade him in the three-team deal in order to acquire Chris Paul from the then-New Orleans Hornets. Ultimately, that trade was vetoed by the league, but the damage was done in Odom’s mind.

Odom immediately asked to be traded by the Lakers once the Paul deal fell through. The reigning Sixth Man of the Year at the time found a new home with the Dallas Mavericks but fell apart and was never the same player again, as he told Shams Charania of The Vertical.

“That trade from the Lakers basically ended my career and purpose,” Odom told The Vertical. “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.”

Although Odom’s career ended on a sour note as he bounced around the league, the 37-year-old will have a chance at redemption when the Lakers signed him soon in order for him to retire with the team, via Charania.

At some point, Odom will come full circle in Los Angeles, with plans being discussed for him to sign a contract to retire as a Laker in training camp.

Along with being able to retire with the team had won two titles with, he may also have a role with the franchise in the future. Odom has been seen at the team’s practice facility working with the young players and could be a type of consultant for the coaching staff.

Until then, Odom will be celebrated as one of the great players to help win multiple championships in Los Angeles when he can call it a career as a Laker.