Laker-Odom Negotiations Continue On

With the way negotiations are going between the Lakers and their free agent forward Lamar Odom, it doesn’t appear as if Odom is a lock to return to Los Angeles at all. In fact, it appears as if he could be headed to South Beach to play with All-Star guard Dwyane Wade and the Miam Heat.

As of Monday night, Odom is said to be choosing between an offer from the Lakers that has been reduced from its high point two weeks ago and a more lucrative deal from the Heat. According to various sources, owner Jerry Buss, after pulling his initial offer of three-years and $27 million off the table on July 14, is now offering a contract worth approximately $25 million over three-years.

Financially, the deal pales in comparison to the offer from Miami, which is estimated to be worth $34 million over five years with an opt-out clause to return to free agency after the fourth season. By accepting their offer, Odom would be reunited with Wade after their one successful season together in 2003-04.

But despite the better financial terms, another source told ESPN.com yesterday that Odom’s preference remains returning to the Lakers after he was instrumental in the team’s championship run this past Spring. But because of his good relationship with Wade, Pat Riley, and the Heat organization, Odom has indicated that he is prepared to return to Miami if nothing changes this week.

With the way the negotiations have progressed, it’s highly unlikely that the Lakers’ offer changes within the next week. Buss and GM Mitch Kupchak already increased the offer’s yearly rate in early July before Odom balked and began courting other teams. After decreasing their offer yesterday, it would seem rather strange for the Lakers to then suddenly increase it later this week.

So eventually, Odom is going to be faced with one final decision to either return to the Lakers, where he starred as the team’s sixth man during their championship run, and take less money; or head to Miami, where he would earn more money up front. Even though, the Lakers have offered more money per year, it appears as if Odom is interested in a long-term contract even if its for less money annually. In addition to more agreeable financial terms, the Miami deal still provides Odom the opportunity to contend for an NBA title.

While the Lakers are unquestionably the favorites to repeat if Odom returns, the New York City native would also join a very competitive Heat team if he signed with Miami. Despite losing in the first-round to the Atlanta Hawks last season, the Heat actually has a bright featured with Wade teaming up with the very talented sophomore-to be Michael Beasley. With Odom in the fold, Riley is also expected to make a harder push to trade for Utah’s Carloos Boozer. With a frontline of Beasley, Boozer, and Odom, the Heat could seriously challenge for an NBA Finals birth.

But even with Boozer, Miami is no sure-fire thing, especially with Cleveland, Boston, and Orlando, all playing in the Eastern Conference. Therefore, if Odom is truly serious about adding another ring or two to his fingers, than it makes the most sense to accept Dr. Buss’s offer and remain a Laker.

But as of now, all we can do is wait and see.