Odom coming off the bench for the Lakers?

[jeebus86]

This was reported by http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=10021

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=10021][/url]

Odom Off the Bench?
There's been a lot of talk this summer about the lack of moves the Los Angeles [COLOR=#c80000! important]Lakers[/color] have made to improve upon their [COLOR=#c80000! important]NBA [COLOR=#c80000! important]Finals[/color][/color] appearance from last season. Other than adding Josh Powell, 2007 draft pick draft pick Sun Yue, and a few camp invites that won't make the team, the Lakers seemingly haven't done anything to push them over the hump from last season, which leaves some fans wondering if the team can make another championship run.
Considering the difficulties of the Western Conference, including what should be a formidable challenge from the New Orleans Hornets and a much-improved [COLOR=#c80000! important]Houston [COLOR=#c80000! important]Rockets[/color][/color], those concerns may be valid.

However, it's important to see that the Lakers are relying upon significant growth from within to make their forward strides. The team is excited about Andrew Bynum's return from injury and how he can team up with Pau Gasol to create what should be one of the more dynamic big-man duos in the league.

But a recent development that there has been talks of Lamar Odom possibly coming off the bench could be yet another improvement the Lakers are looking to tinker with and take a look at.

Odom flourished in the triangle offense as the Lakers' third option, molding his game to fit perfectly in between that of Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol. His tremendous offensive versatility allowed him to adjust his game to where he was able to really establish himself over an opponent's third- or fourth-best defender.

With the possibility of coming off the bench, Odom can now use that offensive firepower to jumpstart the Lakers' offense when needed, and help sustain leads when starters need a break. He'll be able to step in at three positions (2, 3, and 4) on the court, just in case anyone is in foul trouble or is having an off-night and would join the Lakers' "Bench Mob" that already includes Jordan Farmar, Vladimir Radmanovic, Sasha Vujacic, and Luke Walton.

Although Odom is paid major dollars (and it's always hard to justify $14.2-million for a bench player), he could end up being a real valuable asset off the bench for the Lakers in this final year of his contract.

Should Odom come off the bench, the Lakers could then slide defensive specialist Trevor Ariza into the starting lineup at the small-forward position. Ariza would have almost no offensive expectations – the ball will be in the hands of Bryant, Gasol, and Bynum – allowing him to focus on locking down the opposition's best offensive player on the perimeter. In turn, that saves Kobe to do what Kobe does best – score rather than expending copious energies on defense.

From afar, it can really look like the Lakers will bring back a stale team and give it another go. But with the return of Bynum and possible shifting of the lineup, the Lakers are likely to be a much stronger overall team than they were last season.

[jeebus86]

I personally think this is a great idea for the Lakers. Having Ariza as a starter will definitely solve our problems on perimeter defense, and as he continues to improve throughout the season, come playoff time, he’ll be our designated lock-down defender to opposing teams best player.

And having Odom come off the bench will only improve the Lakers depth, since he’s able play so many positions.

[RenegadeLonghorn]

It could work. Ginobili off the bench works for the Spurs.

[garnett_21]

Well, they have to do something...no significant moves this offseason will hurt them next season, especially since other teams have improved (Hornets)....maybe it'll work for them