But is he worth $11.4 million?
Many a Lakers fan has complained over the years about Lamar Odom's production not being commensurate with his pay, particularly his 2008-09 salary, which is consistently reported at 14.1 (use the Dr. Evil voice) meeeeeeeelion dollars. According to the Daily News' Ramona Shelbourne, that number's has been commonly (and incorrectly) inflated, with the actually number coming in at $11.4 million. Still not exactly a pittance, obviously, but we're nonetheless talking a contract nearly $3 million cheaper.
Assuming that info is correct, I'm wondering if it makes the previously dissatisfied feel any better about Odom? Is he more reasonable as an "$11-million player" (if "$11-million player" even means something, which I'm not sure it does)? Is it easier to accept playing him off the bench or as a fourth option (some readers have chafed at that for a player of his contract in either role)? Will your perception and expectations for Odom change with a new idea of his bank account?
Personally, the money isn't an issue to me. For starters, everyone in the NBA makes such astronomical salaries nowadays that you can make an argument that they're all overpaid. Plus, we're now entering Lamar's fifth season. The contract is what it is. And most importantly, I consider any athlete's salary to be sunken costs and because of that, him getting paid "X" amount of dollars should never dictate his role. The only thing worse than Lamar Odom overpaid (if that's how you view him) is him overpaid and used incorrectly in an effort to somehow "justify" or "earn" the check. If his most effective use comes as reliable fourth option (as opposed to a wildly inconsistent #2) or an unusually well-compensated sixth man, so be it. The money stays the same no matter what, so you might as well get the best bang for your buck, as opposed to trying for the "most" bang in terms of sheer numbers.
To some degree, the topic is neither here nor there, in terms of
things that should truly affect the season. But I was curious if you
had any thoughts.
(UPDATED: Because a few people have already commented along these lines, I want to make a clarification. I was thinking about this salary issue purely in terms of how you view a player "being worth the money" or, in some cases, if you think the salary should dictate how he's used. Does the salary "matter" to you in that sense? Those pointing out that the salary's effect on the cap, payroll, roster, etc. are totally correct and I wouldn't argue against that point at all. My question, however, essentially means viewing the contract in a vacuum or- at most- against other players' salaries, as opposed to the cap parameters. Maybe it's a little more philosophical than truly realistic, but oh well. )
AK
First off, at $11 Mil versun $14 mil means LO is in a lower pay scale. He is no longer (and never has been, as it turns out) in the Penthouse or High-Rollers' suite (comparitively speaking). His salary actually matches up pretty closely to what we're getting out of him. That is if you think the current NBA pay-scale is accurate.
We can only judge his salary based on his peers, and not really in a vacuum, beuase we can't assign attributes such as fairness and value without doing so.
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | October 06, 2008 at 01:47 PM
Odom is definitely worth 11 million, or maybe even 14 million.
I still haven't given up on him. Does anyone remember that one half time interview after the all star break when he was putting up a ridiculous game, and the interviewer asked what's different? He said something like "I had some time to gather myself..." That spoke volumes about where his mentality was. I believe he's recovered from his psychological trauma.
Does anyone remember how he logged almost 40 minutes a game for like, three straight reasons because of our lack of depth, and then injury issues? Everyone ready to just forget his commitment to our team?
Look guys. This man was injured almost two years on and off, coming off surgeries, with risk of being traded, and then his SON dies.
Do you think anyone of you posters and supposed Lakers fans could say that you could just dust off your shoes and go back to work after a small part of you tragically dies?
That interview to me spoke volumes about where Lamar is. He's finally healthy. He needed time to spend with his family and yes, I do believe what he was saying about tendinitis.
He's a warrior and I'm personally thankful for everything he's done for MY lakers team over the past 4 years.
Posted by: Evan | October 06, 2008 at 01:51 PM
I retrieved the following from the IRS database. Here is Lamar's Statement of Net Worth:
-Reg. Season during quarters 1 thru 3 - net worth=$12M
-Regular Season during 4th quarter of a close game - net worth=$1.5M
-Playoffs during quarters 1 thru 3 - net worth=$4M
-Playoffs during 4th quarter - net worth=$1M
Those who want to keep Lamar remember the regular season games. Those who want Lamar gone remember the important games. What are your priorities as a Laker fan? If it's the regular season, Lamar is worth $11 million. If the championship is your main priority, Lamar is worth LESS than $4 million, an amount he would obviously never agree to. In other words, Lamar's a great guy, but if you want championships, or even have hopes for a dynasty, LAMAR MUST GO.
Mamba24,
Please put me on the "give LO NO MO dough" bandwagon.
Laker Truth - no brain, no gain.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | October 06, 2008 at 01:51 PM
Swiss army knife? More like a switch-blade. Flashy but useless!
Posted by: warren with butterkinves | October 06, 2008 at 02:03 PM
I retrieved the following from the IRS database. Here is Lamar's Statement of Net Worth:
-Regular season and Playoffs, 40 minutes a game= The dude owes ME money!
Posted by: 1978 | October 06, 2008 at 02:09 PM
This team is clearly cancer free and anyone who argues otherwise express the type of personality that simply loves to complain.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 06, 2008 at 02:38 PM
In a world where we pay Luke close to 6M$ a year, it's completely fine that we pay LO 11M$. Let's put it this way - if the salary cap were closer to 80M$, which it should be, then LO is getting paid what he should be. Can we do better? Absolutely! Can we do worse? Abso-cotton-pickin-lutely!
Posted by: hariyahu | October 06, 2008 at 02:38 PM
If we are going to go crazy with Lamar at point, why not really go crazy, and put him in a position he was born to play, but doesn’t exist. Let him play “sweeper” like the center midfielder in soccer. Let him roam around the middle of the court waiting for an open pass and drive to the basket. Then you have the frontcourt of Bynum and Gasol with Kobe like an electron circulating between two different atoms in a molecule going from front to back court and often drawing two defenders, and another guard as a backcourt shooter. This would play to everyone’s strengths and maybe it would even work?
Crazy, but so is playing Lamar at point. While this configuration may not be the winner, I do think Phil needs to think a little more non-traditionally because there has never been a team like this before. He’s smart and innovative enough; let’s see if he can pull it out. BUT, I think he has to think about only being super flexible with Kobe, because Kobe has the most capacity to be many different things, and has to ensure he develops more defined roles for Gasol, Bynum, and Lamar so they can work on their consistency.
This is really where Phil needs to figure things out, not Game 3 of the NBA Finals, get earning your $$$ Phil!.
Posted by: Laker Justice | October 06, 2008 at 02:44 PM
OOPS SORRY TO LEVE YOU OFF
ROLLLLLL CALLLLL: ****** NAJAA aka BONUS
HELLRAISER(Certified Mamba Fan), THE KOBEBRYANTBLITZ, HTP
Posted by: MAMBA24 | October 07, 2008 at 09:55 AM
Jamie Sweet,
"The man leaves it all on the court every night. He never quits"
But if he never addresses his weaknesses, then he will continue to be a limiting factor for the Lakers title attempts.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 07, 2008 at 07:04 PM
Lamar has weaknesses he doesn't work on, he loses focus in games, and he is hesitant to take open shots.
If healthy, this team has the talent now where they can, for the most part, replace Lamar's strengths while eliminating the weaknesses.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 07, 2008 at 07:10 PM