TMZ, of all outlets, breaking Lakers news
Lamar Odom was in a car accident last night on the way to last night's game and suffered a mild concussion. I exchanged a brief e-mail with somebody from the front office, and LO wasn't hurt much at all (especially in a way that will hinder his shoulder recovery). I'm also happy to see that there doesn't appear to be any drugs or alcohol involved, and also to hear about Lamar's concern for the victim (not that it particularly surprises me). We'll keep you in the loop with any developments, but for now, click below the jump for the news.
Special thanks to my girlfriend, who emailed me the TMZ article. I knew a relationship with somebody addicted to gossip rags would one day pay off. haha
-- AK
Laker Lamar Odom Crashes, Injures Woman
L.A. Lakers star Lamar Odom was involved in a two car crash in Hawthorne, Calif., yesterday morning which sent one person to the hospital.
Police sources tell TMZ they are investigating Odom for allegedly running a red light in his Mercedes and T-boning a Geo Prism driven by a 37-year-old woman. Firefighters had to use the Jaws of Life to extract the victim from the wreckage. The victim's family tells TMZ that she is in serious but stable condition with a head injury and injuries to her left leg.
Sources tell us neither alcohol nor drugs were a factor in the accident, adding Odom stayed with the victim and was very concerned about her well being.
Odom's rep was not immediately available for comment.
SAY WHAT!
Laker fans, you are fake, fake, fakes
You booed your own star for goodness sakes
You let the FO feed you this slop
Falling for the oldest con, good and bad cop.
You let a crackhead pull your strings
You let them dis Kobe and dis 9Rings
A house divided can and will not stand
So a man called Magic said I’ll give you a hand
To Kobe he said if you really want to be great
Don’t ask for nothing, make your own fate
So Kobe hit 45 and asked the Rockets WHAT YOU GOT
Yao said this and Kobe blocked his shot.
To a man the Lakers stood strong and tall
Yet without Lamar they were destined to fall.
And even though a win would have been better
Lakers today Lakers tomorrow LAKERS FOREVER!
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 31, 2007 at 12:37 PM
That's pretty nasty. I hope everyone is all right. That's a terrible experience for everybody involved.
Posted by: Michael A | October 31, 2007 at 12:51 PM
I'm lovin' that one Mamba24. I was shocked last night when I heard that. It was so incredibly hypocritical to boo him at introductions and when he had the ball but then he turned (once again) into the Lakers savior and all was well.
I'm sick and tired of the fakers out there. Either you're a fan or you're not.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | October 31, 2007 at 12:53 PM
Booing the "BEST PLAYER ON THE PLANET"!!
I would like to voice my opinion on the so called fans who booed last night. I hear from Magic things like "the fans supported him when he was going through CO problems, supporting him during the Shaq situation, the FO supporting him during CO etc.. etc...
All these people (fans) showed support only for one reason - BECAUSE HE IS THE BEST BALLER!!!.. I won't see any of these so called fans showing the same support for Kwame Brown if he had gone thru these situations. The FO would NEVER show this kind of support for anyone else on the team because KOBE FILLS THE SEATS ans make the Buss's MORE MONEY!!
I am a Kobe Fan, but not more than I am a Laker Fan, but I would not have booed him after all the things he has done for me/laker organization and playing as hard as he has done for the last 12 years for my beloved LAKERS!!
Posted by: Neal | October 31, 2007 at 12:53 PM
Anyone get this in LA? 3 team trade Sac-Town- Chi-Town LA?
LA- Kirk Hinrich Ron Artest others
Bulls-Kobe
Sac- Sombody?
Posted by: Steve | October 31, 2007 at 01:00 PM
thank the lord everyone came out okay!
either your a laker fan or your a kobe fan. no gray area.
Posted by: the WOLF | October 31, 2007 at 01:08 PM
average joe,
Plaese reach into your medicine chest and send me a few of those happy pills that you have been taking. Sure Kobe is geat so is LO but this is a team game...and last night this Kobe fan watched an episode of Kobe and the Lakettes. one individual and four guys playing against the Rockets.
I will always appreciate what Kobe brought to the Lakers but when it is time it is time......
Kobe, thank you, and best of luck in Chicago.
Dr. Buss please bring an entertaining, young, TEAM back to LA as soon as possible.
Posted by: todd | October 31, 2007 at 01:11 PM
AK..lol.. can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em, as the cliche goes...
Posted by: Chris H. | October 31, 2007 at 01:25 PM
Neal,
I agree with you 100%. I respect Magic as a player and a person but I didn't fully agree with his statements last night about the whole CO support thing.
He made it sound as if the FO has been the one shelling out support through several situations but failed to mention the other side.
After this past summer, it was clear that Kobe took the fall for the FO's decision to trade Shaq... he was also a key piece in their 3 championships ...and he is/was the only player drawing sold-out crowds at Staples and wherever they played. Wouldn't it be the FO's job to stand behind their money maker????
I'm so over the "be grateful" crap...you can't speak of one side and not even consider the other.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | October 31, 2007 at 01:25 PM
He was just rushing to pick up the lost Bynum..
Posted by: HAB | October 31, 2007 at 01:28 PM
I'm a Kobe fan, and I would have booed too. Kobe deserves it for even considering giving up on LA fans.
With all the support I've given him, I expect the same from him, or at least a bit more than he's showing.
He doesn't have to like the progress of the FO but he should honor the fans a bit more than he has. So boo. Boo hoo.
But I would have cheered too when he turned it on, because I'm a fan and a sucker for drama and a team player. Team wins, I cheer.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | October 31, 2007 at 01:29 PM
Even without alcohol or drug use, Odom's got a history with the law here in LA, and he's not going to get off easy from this. Not to mention, running a red light is pretty much the worst traffic offense on the road, and I won't be surprised when the DA presses charges, nor will I be surprised when the victim files a civil claim against him. LO's got a lot of court time ahead of him, and possibly some very serious penalties to pay because of it. Very very very very bad move, I'm surprised how little coverage this got, especially considering how many articles were written about Kwame's cake incident.
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | October 31, 2007 at 01:32 PM
NOOOOO!!!!!
I hope he's OK!
Posted by: Faith | October 31, 2007 at 01:40 PM
J. Walter Weatherman - are you aware of other troubles LO has had with the law in LA?
Anyhow, knowing the type of stand up guy LO is I am sure he feels terrible about the accident and the womans condition.
Posted by: Laker Lover | October 31, 2007 at 01:45 PM
This city has enjoyed so many uninterrupted years of signing whichever players our teams need, we're unfamiliar with stars willingly leaving us.
I'm not sure myself, but I think when a home-grown superstar wants to leave your team you're supposed to be mad at him.
I'll look it up.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | October 31, 2007 at 01:46 PM
EastCoastJ-
Exactly!! Magic sounded like a corporate shill last night.
Posted by: McGarnagle | October 31, 2007 at 01:49 PM
I thought Lamar had a driver? I remember and interview a few years back where he was saying how much he hated to drive- given that he grew up in NYC and that he had a driver. I guess not anymore. Maybe he will go back to that know.
Posted by: Gabe | October 31, 2007 at 01:50 PM
J. Walter Weatherman is always there to point out the moral issues of the team.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | October 31, 2007 at 01:52 PM
all jokes aside, it appears lamar odom still doesn't know how to drive "right."
okay, that's a horrible joke...but somebody had to write it.
so is lamar & bynum still too much for jermaine o'neal? now that's funny.
Posted by: tha show | October 31, 2007 at 02:04 PM
Really now, it's OK to boo somebody who wants to walk out on you. There's no requirement to worship the ground Kobe walks on! If he wanted to do good by the Lakers then let him drop the trade approval clause.
If he wants to be free, fine, but we can't afford another Shaq trade. FO should not kill the Lakers just so Kobe can get a ring next year with the Bulls. A fair trade is just that, fair. If the Bulls only get a little bit better and Kobe still has to carry them sometimes, then he's still better off without Jim Buss.
What I want is more championships for the Lakers.
Posted by: conejito | October 31, 2007 at 02:19 PM
Laker Lover,
LO was caught with marijuana on a few occasions when he played here with the Clippers, which is why I assume they menion in the article that drugs/alcohol weren't involved in this incident. For some, that's not the biggest of crimes, especially now that MJ is legal for some people in the state of California, but it's still near a felony and it's never good to have a record with the cops or the D.A., or at least that's what years of Law & Order marathons on TNT have taught me.... ;) Since LO would be 100% at fault for this accident since he ran a red light, if the lady had died, they could've charged him with vehicular manslaughter. He still could face jail time depending on how reckless they deem he was driving, although I'm sure he can afford the type of lawyer that keeps you out of jail. If it had been you or me though, we'd be looking at jail time for sure.
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | October 31, 2007 at 02:20 PM
The latest reports about the other party in the accident are that she was seriously injured and had to be removed from her car with the jaws of life. I hope she's okay. I can't drive the 101/405 one day without bad accidents everywhere; considering the drivers who think our daily commute is a NASCAR event, it's not a surprise. I hope Lamar is okay, as well. Apparently, he had a concussion.
I was just up in SF last weekend, and we could really use a BART system down here; I'd sell my car in a heartbeat.
Posted by: Tully Moxness | October 31, 2007 at 02:21 PM
"J. Walter Weatherman is always there to point out the moral issues of the team."
LOL! I'm assuming you probably don't know the origin of my screen name, and if that's true, then you should know.... you just made a much more spot-on joke than you probably intended. Accidental comedy, my favorite!
------
"And THAT'S why you ALWAYS LEAVE A NOTE!!"
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | October 31, 2007 at 02:25 PM
What next? Jordan Farmar will be involved in a freak gasoline fight accident? Typical Lakers I guess...more news off the court than on it. A day in the life of a Lakers fan...
Posted by: b4hoops | October 31, 2007 at 02:26 PM
NBA FANTASY LEAGUE EVERYONE JOIN NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LEAGUE NAME: KBA
password: kobe
ALLL LAKER FANS JOIN!!!
SUPPORT YOUR TEAM!!!! AND YOUR STAR PLAYER PLAY IN HIS FANTASY LEAGUE! KOBE HAS A TEAM IN THIS ONE!!!!!!
Posted by: Steve From New Jersey | October 31, 2007 at 02:37 PM
Weatherman's right. This is bad news all around. Especially for the lady who's in serious condition. I'm a little surprised that AK thinks the issue of drugs is more important than the health of the victim. It obviously is for the Lakers' roster and Lamar's playing time (he won't be suspended by David Stern), but this could seriously disturb Lamar, especially after last summer's drama, for which he wasn't responsible.
My sympathy goes out to all concerned and I'm pretty sure Lamar will very voluntarily do everything he can to help the victim. But it is a serious event in the victim's and therefore in Lamar's life. As sensitive as he is, this may also have an effect on Lamar's professional performance.
Posted by: Tsphere | October 31, 2007 at 03:20 PM
The accident happened in Hawthorne? I'm guessing he stayed one dance too long at either the Jet Strip or Bare Elegance.
The "support" debate is interesting. Once again, remember that Kobe wants to be traded and the front office has agreed to try and give him his wish. They ARE supporting him. Personal feelings aside, does anyone believe the front office thinks they have a better chance at a championship without Kobe? They are willing to give Kobe the chance he wants - to try and win a championship during his prime years with a different organization because he feels betrayed by this one. Trading a player when that's what they really want isn't turning your back on them.
Whether the front office won't put the right players around Kobe or haven't been able to because, frankly, they aren't smart and aggressive enough - Kobe wants out. Period. Supporting what he wants is trying to trade him so he can go to a "better" situation. Keeping him is going against his wishes.
Is it safe to assume that the Kobe supporters who want keep him in LA are saying the front office should go back to trying to bring in support via complementary players or another superstar to tandem with? (That's what the guys sitting next to me last night certainly thought). That would require Kobe changing his mind. The Lakers might consider that risky considering they could make those moves and Kobe would still stand firm with his trade demand.
Posted by: lakers_sth | October 31, 2007 at 03:33 PM
Tsphere,
I wasn't more concerned about any drugs than the condition of the victim. I just meant that I'm glad to see that this was simply an accident, as opposed to something that's most regrettable and ultimately totally avoidable (i.e., driving under the influence). I would hate to see that, both for the victim and Lamar. But I wasn't even thinking about LO being suspended or league action. That never entered my mind. I apologize if the post came off as insensitive, but that was hardly my intention.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | October 31, 2007 at 03:36 PM
J. Walter Weatherman-
You have to be kidding me...It was an accident, a million happen a day...And because you fail a league drug test, doesn't mean have been arressted on marijuana possesion....Which LO has never...He dealt with it like a adult and was responsible for his actions...YOU NEED TO GET A LIFE!!!!
Also i'm not taking what TMZ wrote serious about the red light, they had to add some drama to it....OR IT WOULD JUST BE ANOTHER CAR ACCIDENT that happen every second on this earth....TMZ also has nice debates about WHO'S HOTTER MATT DAMON vs. TONY HAWK....Please!!!!!
My prays go out to the lady hit and LO....
Posted by: Queens FInest | October 31, 2007 at 03:36 PM
either your a laker fan or your a kobe fan. no gray area.
Posted by: the WOLF | October 31, 2007 at 01:08 PM
are you on crack??? No, for real are you?
Posted by: bob | October 31, 2007 at 03:40 PM
Looking at the roster up and down, and that game last night.
I don't think I'd be wrong if I were to say, Kobe IS the Lakers right now. Isn't that point? He needs help?
Posted by: Faith | October 31, 2007 at 04:10 PM
This is press, not TMZ....
Lakers' Odom involved in Hawthorne crash
New, 3:45 p.m.: Odom was not hurt when his Mercedes struck a Geo Prizm. The Prizm's driver was taken to a hospital for minor injuries.
By Gene Maddaus
STAFF WRITER
Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom was involved in a car crash in Hawthorne on Tuesday morning, police said today.
Odom, who was alone in his Mercedes, may have run a red light just before striking a Geo Prizm at the intersection of Rosecrans Avenue and Aviation Boulevard, said Hawthorne police Lt. Michael Ishii.
The driver of the Prizm, a 37-year-old Downey woman, was taken to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Police said Odom stayed at the scene of the crash, which occurred at about 9:45 a.m.
“He cooperated fully with authorities and was very concerned with the female driver,” Ishii said.
Odom was not injured in the crash, Ishii said. He said the accident remains under investigation.
Odom attended Tuesday night’s Lakers home opener against the Houston Rockets but is still recovering from shoulder surgery and did not play.
Posted by: Queens FInest | October 31, 2007 at 04:13 PM
Wow, running a red light and hitting another car who may be following her green lights on her side - that's reckless driving;
Odom staying in the scene and very concerned on the victim - that's compassion from a basketball star and seemed to be sorry for what has happened;
Effects to the Lakers - another distraction;
Socks coming in late to Staples after practicing for four months at El Segundo and in Atlanta - that's very disappointing for a young player. Another unnecessary distraction. If he got lost or could not make an easy route by avoiding 405 and I-10 at prime time from Weschester, how can he assure PJ that he would not get lost in guarding Yao Ming and T-Mac?
Can we afford more distractions?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 31, 2007 at 05:23 PM
the dallas mavericks are the nba champions of 2007 2008...mark my words...eddie jones and trenton hassell were the missing pieces of their puzzle..now they got em...watch out.
Posted by: mike | October 31, 2007 at 09:03 PM
guys please if some1 has kobe's block agaisnt yao i'd appreciate it if u give me a link of where i can watch it at.
Posted by: mike | October 31, 2007 at 09:12 PM
Geez, Lamar can't catch a break :( But this was his own doing -- He should've known better.
E
Posted by: Emma | October 31, 2007 at 11:25 PM
KOBE please stay and may you have many more brick shot attempt in the future!
I TOLD YOU SO!
Posted by: ogurat | October 31, 2007 at 11:25 PM
Magic Johnson:
"If Kobe would have been smart, he would have mended those fences with Shaquille, let Shaquille be 'The Man' and we wouldn't be in this position . . . Now, after four years later, he understands that he can't do it by himself. Now he's blaming the organization, and some of that blame should be on him and some on the organization."
Wwwwow.
Posted by: Peace | November 01, 2007 at 08:00 AM