Lamar Odom Is Frustrated

Free agent Lamar Odom is simultaneously optimistic and frustrated about the lengthy negotiations with the Lakers. When asked if he thinks he’ll be back with the Lakers next season Odom told the L.A. Times, “I don’t know. That’s why there are negotiations. I don’t know. Of course I hope they can get it done. It’s negotiations. Both sides are going to give and take. That’s part of it. I don’t know how long it’s going to take.” The Lakers have offered Odom a deal over $9 million for the first three years and Odom and agent Jeff Schwartz are seeking $10 million a season.

Odom attended a screening party Monday night for the DVD featuring the Lakers’ 2008-09 championship run and said, “I can’t discuss that. You talk about money, it’s touchy. It’s a touchy subject. The Lakers have been too good to me to rub people over there the wrong way. The Lakers have been nothing but great to me, and I want to keep the relationship great.” Lakers owner Jerry Buss, however, is getting frustrated after upping his offer of $8 million a season and Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak told reporters that recent talks left him “not as hopeful as I was on Friday.” Accoring to rumors, the Miami Heat made Odom an offer, although he would only say, “I don’t know how to answer that question. I’m pretty sure there might be other teams. I just won a championship.”

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