Basketball: Rich deal will keep Odom with Lakers
AFP
LOS ANGELES - Lamar Odom will remain with the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers after agreeing to a deal for at least three years worth a minimum of 27 million dollars, ESPN reported Thursday.
The deal, not confirmed by the club, would give the forward 25 million dollars for the first three seasons of the contract with the Lakers holding an fourth-season option at eight million dollars or a two million-dollar buyout.
The Miami Heat had also made a play for Odom, pitching up to 34 million over five seasons to have Odom join superstar guard Dwyane Wade after the Lakers pulled back from an earlier offer to Odom.
Instead, Odom's return secures the final major player from the championship run to return to the Lakers in hopes of a repeat bid next season.
The lone major loss was reserve forward Trevor Ariza, who left for Houston after the Lakers landed former Rockets standout Ron Artest.
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