So here we are. We’re at the point where Odom’s true value to this team is no longer a mystery. When you talk X’s and O’s, he’s the player that makes our strong side zone work as he provides the mobility and length to move from one side of the court to the other, pick up flashing big men, guard perimeter players, trap the ball handler, and still recover to the paint to rebound. He’s the player that helps create our tremendous offensive spacing - playing as a PF that can initiate the offense, play on the perimeter (and be effective with the jumper or the drive), find creases in defenses to take advantage of the double teams that Kobe and Gasol face, and also play in isolation from any position on the court (wing, top of the key, low block, elbow, etc). And when you talk team building and chemistry, he’s also a real leader for the Lakers. Many will point to Kobe or Fisher as our leaders - and rightfully so - but it’s Odom that has been the stabilizer for our squad. He’s been the bridge between our first and second units, the guy that organizes team dinners and brings in a chef for training camp, the guy that is in the middle of the huddle motivating and inspriring our guys for the battle ahead, and the guy whose lighthearted nature and devotion to the team keeps the locker room loose. We need this player.
I understand that money will be an issue. I understand that another key player - Trevor Ariza (more on him in a separate post) - is also a free agent and is a needed ingredient for our future success. And I know that there are times where none of the superlatives that I’ve typed even seem relevant as we watch Odom pull a disappearing act and hinder our chances at securing a victory. But I’ll say it again, we need this player. Does anyone think we win a ring without Odom? Without him stepping in for Bynum when our young center was either injured or ineffective? Without him stepping up in Games 5 or 6 against Denver? Without him hitting those key three pointers against Orlando in the closeout game? Sometimes tough decisions really aren’t that tough. Sometimes you have to bite the bullet. But it’s not my money and I don’t write the checks. I am, however, fully invested in this team. If we expect to turn this one championship into an extended run of contention for the trophy, resigning Odom isn’t just a wish, it’s a necessity.
