Although it's unclear how much impact (Dwyane)Wade's ongoing recruiting efforts will have on his former teammate -- or if Heat president Pat Riley, who's also in L.A. this week, will be meeting with (Lamar) Odom -- one source with knowledge of the talks told ESPN.com that a resolution to the monthlong Odom saga is likely "in the next few days."
Odom's options, as of Monday, were choosing between an offer from the Lakers that has been reduced from its high point two weeks ago or taking one of the multiple fallback proposals from the Heat that are thought to be sufficiently attractive to coax him to Miami.
So eager to reunite Odom and Wade after their one successful season together in 2003-04, Miami has offered Odom as much as it can for a team well over the salary cap: $34 million over five years with an opt-out to return to free agency after the fourth season. Sources said that Odom, if he ultimately decides to return to South Beach, would likely sign the five-year deal or opt for a four-year deal that comes with a provision to return to free agency after three years.
One team source confirmed Monday that Lakers owner Jerry Buss, after pulling his initial offer off the table on July 14, is now offering "less" than the original three-year, $27 million deal that he withdrew when Odom pushed for a fourth year. Another source maintains that Odom's preference remains returning to the Lakers after helping them win a championship in June but cautioned that he is prepared to return to Miami and reunite with Wade and Riley if nothing changes this week.
Sources with knowledge of the talks told ESPN.com that an informal level of contact between the sides was maintained after Buss pulled his offer, but it appears that they remain far apart in negotiations.
This is stupid. What's $5 million? Is there really any difference between 3 years, 27 million, and 3 years, 32 million? There is no difference, from the point of view of ownership. Teams throw 5 year 30 million dollar deals at mediocre players all the time. Why is the Lakers ownership choosing now to be penny pinchers? Odom is the difference between being a contender and being a dynasty. Fork over the extra $5m over 3 years it would take to secure him. Anyway, it can't hurt to show a player like Odom that you consider him valuable enough to break open the bank a little. Again.. it's just a little.
This is stupid. What's $5 million? Is there really any difference between 3 years, 27 million, and 3 years, 32 million? There is no difference, from the point of view of ownership. Teams throw 5 year 30 million dollar deals at mediocre players all the time. Why is the Lakers ownership choosing now to be penny pinchers?
No, this means the offer is now less than 27 mil... Things are looking up for the Heat!
(I don't like to use this since I think it's gay; but I feel like this calls for it)
This is stupid. What's $5 million? Is there really any difference between 3 years, 27 million, and 3 years, 32 million? There is no difference, from the point of view of ownership. Teams throw 5 year 30 million dollar deals at mediocre players all the time. Why is the Lakers ownership choosing now to be penny pinchers? Odom is the difference between being a contender and being a dynasty. Fork over the extra $5m over 3 years it would take to secure him. Anyway, it can't hurt to show a player like Odom that you consider him valuable enough to break open the bank a little. Again.. it's just a little.
Just curious, what did Luke Walton get?
l
2009/10 - 4M
2010/11 - 5.2M
2011/12 - 5.6M
2012/13 - 6M
I hope Gasol doesnt get the same treatment when his Contract is up .
It's a pissing contest at this point, neither side wants to give in and it looks like both will be losers when it's over. Odom's agent sucks though, there was no way to gain any leverage this offseason.
It's a pissing contest at this point, neither side wants to give in and it looks like both will be losers when it's over. Odom's agent sucks though, there was no way to gain any leverage this offseason.
I think listening to the Miami offer was plenty of leverage... In alot of ways 5yr/$34M w/no taxes and being a starter is either equal or better than the Lakers offer.
Time for Buss to just commit to guaranteeing that 4th year, and this will all be over.
This is surprising. LA needs Odom to win again. Odom's agent knows this. LA really has no alternative to pursue.
Miami isn't a bad spot, but I expected LA to give in to Odom's (and his agent's) demands. Instead, they are playing hardball--not going to get pushed around by supporting players even in anticiaption of another title. Do they think Artest can fill the forward spots for Lamar and Ariza?
Source: Laker's Offer to Odom Reduced
