Lamar Odom
The LA Times reports
Lakers owner Jerry Buss, an avid poker player, called Lamar Odom’s bluff at the negotiating table Tuesday, following through with his threat to pull the offer to Odom.
The Lakers admitted that the offer Buss presented to Odom and his representatives has been available for over a week, but that because the unrestricted free agent never responded, Buss grew upset and broke off all negotiations.
“Yes, we have taken the deal off the table,” Lakers public relations director John Black said. “Talks have broken down for the time being.”
Black was asked if talks could resume in the future.
“That’s within the realm of possibility,” he said.
The offer …
Lakers team officials, who were not authorized to speak about the negotiations, said Buss offered Odom a deal for $9 million a season for four years at $36 million, or $10 million a season over three years for a total of $30 million.
Odom and his agent, Jeff Schwartz, were looking for $10 million a year over five seasons.
Buss was also unhappy about
Team officials also said Buss was not happy that Odom and Schwartz have been talking with the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat President Pat Riley about a deal, but have refused to talk to the Lakers.
An ominous reminder
If the two sides do begin negotiating again, Lakers sources said Buss, if he’s willing to talk, will lower his offer to Odom.
Those same sources said Buss is a man of principle who sticks by his decision.
Those sources were mindful that when Shaquille O’Neal said during an exhibition game in Hawaii in 2003, “Now, you’re gonna pay me,” while looking for a contract extension, Buss was angry and never forgot that.
After the 2004 season, Buss traded O’Neal to the Heat, in a deal that brought Odom to the Lakers.
Lamar Odom
It’s hard to see a scenario where the Lakers willingly participate in a sign and trade for Lamar Odom. That leaves only two possibilities outside of re-signing with LA, that’s the MLE and/or signing with a team below the cap. Portland appear to be the only team below the cap who may have interest in giving Odom a large contract, and thus, the Blazers appear to be his best hope for a large contract outside of LA.
I doubt that Odom will be able to scunger up a better offer than $30 million over three years, or $37 million over four years. That’s a very good deal and he should have taken it.
Jerry Buss
Beware Jerry Buss’ anger … not a man who forgives and forgets.
Los Angeles Lakers
Obviously, Lamar Odom would be a massive loss for the Lakers and they should do everything possible to keep him in a Lakers jersey.
I do think Odom will eventually re-sign with the Lakers. I’m surprised he didn’t take that deal, it’s hard to see him doing better than that.
