Lamar Odom - Consummate Teammate/Point Forward

"Basketball has given me everything I love.” Those were Lamar’s words as he talked about receiving the Sixth Man of the Year award. From 2008 to 2010, the Lakers made 3 straight Finals appearances. They lost to the Celtics in their first go around, but sacrifice was needed to claim the game’s greatest prize. Enter Lamar Odom. In 2009, even though he was an impending free agent, he accepted the role of coming off the bench. That selflessness shined through and allowed that Lakers team to win back-to-back championships.

The perennial playmaker was at his prime during this 3 year span: 2009 NBA championship. 2010 NBA championship. 2010 FIBA World Championship. 2011 Sixth Man of the Year. He became the first player in history to win NBA and FIBA gold in the same year. What’s more impressive is that he was arguably the most important player on that 2010 team riddled with past and future MVPs (Derrick Rose, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry), Finals MVPs (Chauncey Billups, Andre Iguodala), and DPOYs (Tyson Chandler). His versatility allowed that team to flourish, starting as the center for every game of the tournament, and leading the team in rebounds.

No matter what happens, those who love the game should love how much Lamar has given back. He’s shown us what’s important in basketball: unselfishness. Sacrifice. Heart.

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[Vinnamese]

True Lakers appreciate LAMAR ODOM! He'll forever be remembered as LAKER! His presence was invaluable!
THE GOODS!

[brandonreed]

That Odom/Gasol connection was deadly. I'm sure Pau missed Lamar's presence as much as anybody.

[EvinGualberto]

I decided to publish this for two reasons: the obvious one being that finally some good news is coming out about Lamar. The other being that my latest video (the Bulls Frontcourt Passing) was taken down recently, and it felt strange having my latest video be 2 weeks old. So this is my video for this week, a day early. Enjoy!

[lildave]

Lamar Odom is a pure hopper, the first point forward in the league & very underrated passer

[PAYORcrew]

He was really good at everything. My dog. He could've had a long career with him being so well rounded and a high basketball IQ

[brad]

Leaving the Lakers killed Odom's career. Kobe was like the one guy who could get the best out of Odom and you could tell Odom loved and respected Kobe

[andshoes]

Lamar should be in the nba manual. Almost shed a tear watching this. Makes basketball look amazing.

[radioactivehands]

one of my favourite players of all time. if he just kept at it, he could been one of the best

[agirennei]

I was too young to appreciate his style of play. What a baller

[gerardov.]

Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol, and Ron Artest. Those were the days...

[MrQuizno]

Odom was so good, I miss these RIP Kobe

[gilfordmccormack]

The passing on those Lakers squads was amazing

[timshammm]

He was my fav player! I still wear his jersey from LA! Glad to see him recovering and all! Thanks for the vid! Your work is greatly appreciated!

[Justiceisbest]

I miss Lamar in LA. I really hope he's doing better. He's a really great person. Much respect.

[teteskone]

1:33 rejects the open three to pick a free teammate top of the key. Visionary.

[elreiec]

He was never a freakish leaper but his rebounding prowess looked so effortless.

[dennisv]

Mighty sports Philippines bring me here. Tnx LO

[vadamane]

I’m not a lakers fan but Lamar would give you 15, 10, and 5 consistently. Great passing big man.

[dongengsebelumtidur]

Gasol got so many points from Odom. I miss this guy! And the Lakers 2009-2010

[georgerodsan]

Odom was a beast. If the Lakers had him they would be unstopable.