ADN

3's excites a crowd more of course -- LoL hence the reason that I loved watching Orlando Magic. I prefer 3s, I like the sound it makes from the speakers, that 'swish' sound.

But in a fast break a dunk looks nice.

Lamar Odom enjoyed his first NBA championship with Lakers teammates Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol this past June, but the free agent might not be back in Los Angeles next season.

The Lakers withdrew their offer to the forward late Tuesday, according to a report by the Los Angeles Times.

"Yes, we have taken the deal off the table," Lakers spokesman John Black told the newspaper Tuesday. "Talks have broken down for the time being."

The talks, however, could continue at another time.

"That's within the realm of possibility," Black added.

Lakers owner Jerry Buss, in particular, has been upset by the fact that Odom and his agent, Jeff Schwartz, haven't reached out to the organization, which offered the Lakers' sixth man $9 million per season for three years, the Times.

Schwartz, instead, is interested in a deal that would give the veteran forward a total of $50 million over five years.

The newspaper also reported that Buss is displeased that Odom and Schwartz have had discussions with the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat — but not the Lakers.

While the Heat and Mavericks can give Odom the mid-level exception of $5.8 million per season, they can give him a five-year deal — which would be worth up to $34 million, the Times reported.

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OK, wow wow wow...Lakers NEED Odom...WTF is up with the agents of these NBA players man? They lure them into stupid decisions so much, it's crazy. I can bet it is because of Ariza's agent that he left too. Anyway, they NEED to get Odom back, really!

It's just as simple as it goes, if he doesn't come back then they are for sure not repeating, it's a wrap.

Just a little hardball...No other team in the league is going to pay him that...

I hope so man, I really, really hope so.

LOS ANGELES (AP)—Lamar Odom is sticking with the NBA champs.

After a rocky free-agent courtship, Odom agreed on a multiyear contract Thursday to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers, keeping intact most of the roster that won the club’s 15th NBA title this summer.

Lakers spokesman John Black confirmed an agreement, but wouldn’t discuss specifics. Odom still hasn’t signed the deal, but could do so as early as Friday.

The contract, which is expected to contain three guaranteed years and a fourth-year option, maintains the Lakers’ core of Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Derek Fisher and Odom alongside new teammate Ron Artest. Odom’s return means Los Angeles likely will be favored to win another Western Conference title—and that’s what the 6-foot-10 Odom said he prized most during his eventful few weeks as a free agent.

Odom, a 10-year NBA veteran, proved his determination to win last season when he accepted and thrived in a reserve role for the Lakers, averaging 12.3 points and 9.1 rebounds during the postseason.

Odom repeatedly said he preferred to stay with the Lakers, but apparently came close to leaving—either by choice or necessity. Los Angeles pulled a previous contract offer from the table when Odom was slow to respond to it, and Dwyane Wade heavily lobbied Odom to return to Miami, where they spent one season together.

Portland also apparently made a bid for Odom’s versatile offensive game and passing skills, but the New York City native always made it clear he preferred the personal opportunities and lifestyle only found in Los Angeles, where he spent his first four NBA seasons with the Clippers and his last five with the Lakers.

After playing extensively up front last season, Odom could move to the backcourt for more playing time in the fall. Center Andrew Bynum will be healthy after missing much of last season with a torn knee ligament, while Artest’s defensive versatility allows him to guard much taller players—perhaps freeing up Odom to use his improved 3-point stroke from the perimeter.

Among the key players in last season’s run to the title, the Lakers lost only forward Trevor Ariza, who emerged as a dependable rotation player last season, particularly during the playoffs. Ariza joined the Houston Rockets after Los Angeles signed Artest, the mercurial defensive specialist who finally realized his long-held dream to play with Bryant.

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Yes!!! :D

That's awesome! Way to start my day off right (and yes, my day just started at 3:23 lol)

Lakers are looking really strong now, man.

Ugh, seems like you are a new member here Drew, welcome! Glad to find another basketball fan.