Forward Lamar Odom close to returning for the Dallas Mavericks – NBA Update
"We're not going to buy out anybody, there's no reason to do it. We're not going to do that. That's not the way we work. We try to find what the problem is and fix it."
This was the reaction Mark Cuban had on Tuesday, when he strongly refuted the reports that the defending champions Dallas Mavericks are looking to buy-out the contract of underperforming Lamar Odom (LO).
LO has been struggling to come to terms with the Mavs system ever since he was willfully traded earlier in the season. With Dirk Nowitzki and Shawn Marion already at the franchise, the Mavericks were expected to have a lethal front court trio with Odom in the mix, but the rather emotional player has been bogged down by his personal issues and has contributed only 7.7 points and 4.5 rebounds per game so far this season.
Last season’s 6th man of the year has a dreadful start to the season when the Lakers tried to trade him to New Orleans Hornets in the three team Chris Paul trade.
The move was ultimately nixed by the NBA and the aftermath of the failed deal saw an incensed Odom request a trade. His first few games for the Mavs were nothing short of being forgettable, but slowly he has been able to gel in. Near the All-Star break however, Odom’s father got sick and since then he has not been available to the Mavs.
Now, however, it is understood that Cuban has met the power forward and his agent Jeff Schwartz to clear the air and has assured them of his support. A source close to the situation has further revealed that the forward will make it back within a matter of days. However, his transition will not be directly into the side.
Lamar is expected to play a game for the Mavericks D-League Affiliate, the Texas Legends, and will not be joining the team for their trip to the New Orleans Hornets on Saturday. This move is aimed at tuning up the Dirk Nowitzki’s relief before he makes his way back.
Without him, the Mavs have failed to win even a single of the last three games and with Nowitzki struggling with pain in the lower back, the Mavs need the 13 year old veteran to fire.
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