Lamar Odom's time with the Mavericks was a disaster. Anyone who watched the 32-year-old struggle in his 50 games in Dallas probably believes Odom's professional career is close to being over.
So how could anyone with basketball knowledge believe Odom, who averaged career-lows of 6.6 points and 4.2 rebounds, could be considered to represent the US in the Olympics?
According to a story Monday on USAToday.com, that could be a possibility.
The lengthy article focuses on how Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose's torn left anterior cruciate ligament will affect the USA team. Rose was considered to be one of the top players on the team that will compete in London beginning in July. But Rose isn't the only possible USA player to be knocked out of the running because of injury. Los Angeles Clippers guard Chauncey Billups tore his left Achilles, Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge is expected to have right hip surgery in May and Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard recently had back surgery.
Because of those injuries, Team USA could be desperate.
As the story states, Odom was considered a long shot to make the Olympic team because of his poor season. But the 6-foot-10 forward has been working out and wants to be part of Team USA, according to a person familiar with the situation who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak on Odom's behalf.
It was reported on Monday that Odom and his wife, reality TV star Khloe Kardashian, had stopped filming their reality TV show "Khloe & Lamar." The couple has decided to spend a summer without cameras following them around. Could it be because Odom wants to focus on making a contribution in the Olympics?
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