Lamar Odom Lasts Only Two Games in Spain — What’s Next?

Lamar Odom — after recently signing with a Spanish basketball team — has injured his back after only two games and will not re-appear this season. According to ESPN.com, team doctors has said that Odom is unfit to play for the next two months. This means that his present contract will be up before he has the opportunity to get back on the basketball court again.

After being out of the game for a while, Lamar signed with Baskonia on February 18. Though there was a significant amount of hype surrounding his signing in Spain, Odom never really made much of a contribution and played only 23 minutes in two games.

Odom — undertaking the time-honored adage embraced by athletes of referring to himself in third-person — said the following:

“Lamar Odom as an athlete, he is a little embarrassed. But, at the same time, I am proud to be able to say that I am hurt and that I have a team that understands that I am injured and they are still supportive. That means a lot.”

Although Baskonia said there is a possibility they team could re-sign Lamar whenever he returns from his injury, that appears to be anything but certain.

Odom — who was once one of the most promising young players in the game — has never been able to achieve the superstar status some thought he might gain. Still, at 34 years old, Odom still could have some time to contribute as a role player in the NBA if he can regain his health.

If Odom does not return to Spain and instead wants to attempt a comeback in the NBA, there are perhaps a few situations in which he could contribute in the NBA.

Los Angeles Lakers

Odom is probably best-known for hi stint with the Lakers, and the team had interest in signing him last summer. However, after a tumultuous summer in which he became tabloid fodder due to relationship issues with Khloe Kardashian, paparazzi run-ins and even illegal drug allegations, the Lakers lost interest.

Los Angeles Clippers

See above. The Clippers also had interest in Odom for a while, but lost interest after the aforementioned issues. If Lamar can return with a clean slate, perhaps there would be interest from the Clippers again.

Miami Heat

Perhaps a team like the Heat — which already has a strong core — could bring in a player like Odom and integrate him into their system. Wherever Lamar Odom ends up, it will be interesting to see how he is able to contribute.

Image via Reuters