Lakers Still Far Apart with Free Agents Odom and Ariza

Forwards Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom might have been pivotal in helping the Lakers win the NBA championship this season, but now the team’s two main free-agents are far from negotiations. Ariza and his agents weren’t pleased with the Lakers’ annual offer of $5.6 million over an unspecified number of years, as the 24-year-old was hoping for $7-8 million a year. As for Odom, 29, rumor has it that he is seeking $10 million a year, although no one knows what the Lakers offered him. David Lee, Ariza’s agent, negotiated down the wire for another client, Andrew Bynum, last October and is likely to do the same for Ariza. On Wednesday (July 1) Lee said, “All we’re looking for is a little appreciation for what Trevor has done. I don’t think they believe Trevor is serious about leaving, and that’s too bad. I didn’t think we’d be in this situation. I am disappointed and surprised by what I thought would be some feelings for the people who have given you everything you’ve got.”

Portland, Houston, Cleveland, Toronto and the Clippers have all expressed an interest in Ariza but only Portland and Toronto have enough salary-cap room to offer more than the Lakers’ current offer. “It’s business. I understand what they are trying to do and I understand that I have to do what is best for me. I’m really not worried. It will work itself out.”

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