Video: Lamar Odom introduced as LA Clipper, skipping Olympics
The Los Angeles Clippers’ Lamar Odom has decided not to play on the U.S. Olympic basketball team this month.
Odom, who was introduced Monday by the Clippers, plans to spend his time preparing for the NBA season instead.
The Clippers acquired Odom from the Dallas Mavericks last week in a four-team trade that sent Mo Williams to the Utah Jazz.
The Clippers first drafted Odom more than a decade ago.
“It feels great to be back in L.A.,” Odom said. “It feels great to be back in a Clippers uniform. It’s like déjà vu all over again. I feel like I’m 19. Hopefully I can turn back the clock on the court as well.”
Odom had the worst season of his 13-year professional career with the Mavs.
He averaged career lows in points (6.6), rebounds (4.2), assists (1.7), minutes (20.5), shooting percentage (35.2%) and three-point shooting (25.2%).
“I’m just looking forward to coming out and helping the team win games, do whatever it takes to win basketball games, to erase that last season I had,” Odom said. “I wasn’t myself.”
Odom has decided to take a break from his reality show, too. No Olympics and no Khloé & Lamar.
Odom is clearly trying to redeem himself in the NBA.
