Lamar Odom Says He's 'Blessed' Despite D-League Rumors
Lamar Odom, Dallas Mavericks forward, has reportedly been demoted to the NBA D-League recently. Still, the former Los Angeles Laker has been maintaining that he is blessed.
Odom, 33, has been the topic of conversation for Mavericks staff members and fans who have acknowledged that he has averaged his worst statistical season in his 13 years of playing for the NBA.
Rick Carlisle, Mavericks coach, expressed his concern for Odom, who was traded to the Mavericks before the 2011-2012 NBA season began. The former Laker raised doubts within the Mavericks organization after he left the organization to deal with personal issues for 10 days following career low statistics.
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Carlisle spoke to ESPN Dallas on Friday about Odom proving himself upon his return to the team.
"When he comes back, we're going to find out very quickly where things are at," Carlisle told ESPN. "He's going to have to show us with his actions and attitude that he's in. Our fans, our players want to see the guy playing like his pants are on fire and we haven't seen that so far and that's got to change."
On Friday, TMZ reported that Odom would become a member of the NBA D-League's Texas Legends team. Still, the forward played in the 102-96 Mavericks victory against the Utah Jazz on Saturday.
However, rumors still circulated about him wanting to leave Dallas. Despite the rumors, the forward said he is blessed to be playing for the 2010-2011 championship team.
"I'm lucky," Odom said in a Dallas Morning News report. "I'm blessed to be able to play for an organization like this."
Although Odom's playing style has fluctuated, he is asking Mavericks fans and staff to be patient with him through his tough personal battles. Despite his status, the Mavericks forward said he is no god.
"Just to be patient. No matter how many points I score or how big I look on TV, we're all people," Odom said. "Some things beat us down. Sometimes we've got to take a step away from them just to overcome them. Understand that my name is 'Lamar' first, not 'Odom,' so I'm not like some god."
