Lamar Odom was an incredible player back in his playing days. A true do-it-all type, he could defend, create for others and even do a little bit of scoring.
Where Odom found his greatest success was the 2009 and 2010 championship Lakers teams. He played an important role and is considered the third piece that helped Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol win titles. However, shortly after being traded, Odom faded out of the NBA.
After battles with drug addiction and a near death experience, Odom is back in the gym. Not as a player, but as a potential coach for the Lakers. He was seen Tuesday helping out former teammate and current Lakers coach Luke Walton, and he wants to be on the coaching staff someday according to the Orange County Register.
Tuesday's gathering resembled a near reunion of the Lakers' NBA title teams in 2009 and 2010. After the workout ended, Lakers coach Luke Walton huddled with associate coach Brian Shaw and former forward Lamar Odom.
Does that mean Odom will join Walton's coaching staff? Odom said he hopes so, but the Lakers said Walton has simply invited Odom to observe the past two days of workouts. Nonetheless, Walton expressed openness last season about Odom helping the Lakers in some capacity.
It was no secret that Odom wanted back in the NBA as a player, but he was never able to make it happen. However, it looks like he might be able to get his wish via coaching. He obviously doesn't have the experience, but with time he could be on NBA benches sooner rather than later.
