Lamar Odom and Besiktas reach an agreement in principle: NBA Report
After Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Kevin Love turned down the offer to join the NBA All-Star Deron Williams at Besiktas last weekend, Los Angeles Lakers ‘sixth man of the year’ Lamar Odom has apparently become the next target of the Turkish powerhouses.
According to reports, Besiktas have finally been successful in reaching an agreement in principle with the Lakers superstar. Sources close to Lamar Odom have confirmed the authenticity of the news which means that the Odom will be heading to Turkey for the duration of the NBA lockout.
The contract, which also includes an out-clause as per the FIBA directives, is expected to earn Lamar Odom approximately 2 million dollars if he plays the whole season. The final details of the agreement have not been sorted out yet; however they are expected to be done with, in the next few days.
Besiktas has been in search of a big ever since Cleveland Cavaliers centre Semih Erden endured a thumb injury. In the last few weeks, not only did they contact Kevin Love to fill the slot, but were also on the lookout for Brook Lopez, Williams’ team-mate at the New Jersey Nets.
The search for Besiktas to add further strength on the roster doesn’t ends here though. The Turkish franchise has been mulling the option of roping in Chicago Bulls stars, Luol Deng and Carlos Boozer. However, the length of their contracts and the insurance money attached with their transfer has been a big hurdle so far.
In Odom’s case however, the contract was manageable insurance wise for the Istanbul-based team.
Due to his electrifying performances at the 2010 World Championships in Turkey, Lamar Odom is a well-regarded figure. Besiktas have already started to reap the fruits of hiring Deron Williams. About a fortnight ago, the Nets swingman hammered 50 points against a German basketball club.
The induction of Odom will provide Besiktas some steel on the paint and also a reliable option from the perimeter. The move might also be helpful for the Los Angeles Lakers. With Williams’ contract at the Nets expiring at the end of this season, the Lakers might be able to reach him through Odom.
Whether that is what Williams will like is anybody’s guess.
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