Sudden exit
In what has turned out to be a failed experiment for the Dallas Mavericks, Lamar Odom and the team have agreed to part ways, according to a statement from Odom himself:
“The Mavericks and I have mutually agreed that it’s in the best interest of both parties for me to step away from the team,” Odom said in a statement to ESPN.com. “I’m sorry that things didn’t work out better for both of us, but I wish the Mavs’ organization, my teammates and Dallas fans nothing but continued success in the defense of their championship.”
According to the report the Mavs will add Odom, 32, to the inactive list instead of releasing him outright. If Odom is still on the Mavs or roster June 29th, the Mavs would be responsible for the full $8.2 mil of his 2012-2013 contract. Placing Odom on the inactive list also gives the team an opportunity to trade Odom in the off-season.
Odom, who was unhappy about being included in a vetoed trade for Chris Paul in December, was dealt by the Lakers to the Mavericks for a first round draft pick. Odom has struggled the entire season with the Mavericks, averaging career lows in points (6.6 ppg), rebounds (4.2) and assists (1.7) while shooting only .345 from the field and .252 from three.
-ALR
