The NBA season has officially kicked off and Lamar Odom is not on a roster. The forward has had a roller coaster offseason filled with rumored drug benders, trips to rehab and a supposed divorce. While being in the news for everything other than basketball, there was still some hope that Odom could sign with a team prior to the 2013 season starting. However, if there is any chance the former Sixth Man of the Year signs on with the Los Angeles Lakers, Phil Jackson does not see it.
TMZ tracked down Jackson in wake of Odom resurfacing from what the website believed to be rehab. These guys never quit, do they? Naturally, the first thing Jackson was asked about was the potential that Odom re-signs with the Lakers who have a roster that leaves much to be desired. Jackson did not think twice when he said, "I think that bridge might have been burned."
It felt like almost a guarantee that the Lakers would re-sign Odom after the Los Angeles Clippers opted not to retain him. Odom played his absolute best basketball with the Lakers. He was a crucial member of the 2009 championship team. However, now there appears to not be enough room on the roster for him. With Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown all with the same skill set as Odom, the free agent will likely remain on the outside looking in.
Jackson certainly understands the business of the Lakers and would know better than anyone if Odom was welcomed back. It was being reported back in July that the Lakers had reached out to the forward to try and help him, but nothing came of it. It was also reported by TMZ that just a few weeks ago, Odom was in New York taking meetings with several general managers about a possible return to the NBA, but so far nothing has happened.
Odom has more important things to worry about than basketball at the moment. HE was arrested on DUI chargers earlier in the month, pleading not guilty. He supposedly still has drug issues as family and teammates have reached out to help. All signs point towards Odom sitting out the entire season. If that happens, his NBA career is likely over for good.
