Selected with the fourth overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers, Lamar Odom is set to rejuvenate his career this season with the Miami HEAT.
Over his four-year career, Odom has averaged 15.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.15 blocks and 1.00 steals. During the 2000-01 season in L.A., Odom recorded three triple-doubles (points-rebounds-assists) and currently holds the Clippers franchise record for career triple-doubles with seven.
He also holds the distinct honor as the only player in the NBA to lead his team in points, rebounds, field goals made, field goals attempted, free-throws made, free-throws attempted and minutes per game that year.
Lamar joined the fans for a live online chat and here is the transcript.
greg, miami: why wear #7?
Lamar Odom: My grandmother, who raised me, was a big-time bingo player and playing the slots in Atlantic City. 7 is her lucky number.
Isaac Miami: So what are your exp[ectations for the heat this season?? is a turnaround possible?
and second what about the cluster at shooting guard and small forward? how will you guys deal with it?
Lamar Odom: I expect us to be fun to watch, and competitive every night. We'll make a run for the postseason. I don't see the cluster being a problem. You want to have a bunch of talented players.
Dan ,Chicago: Lamar what aspect of your game do you intend to step up the most to benefit and improve your team-mates ?
Lamar Odom: I want to really shoot the ball better. I want more assists. I want to be stronger, so I can play longer in the games. All of this should help my teammates and I win more games.
Madison: You look taller than Brian Grant in the picture. Have you grown? Are you taller than the 6-10 you are listed?
Lamar Odom: Brian Grant is probably about 6'9, and I am about 6'10. Maybe I put on a little weight so that's why I look bigger.
Canyon Country, Calif: Lamar, I am arguebly your biggest fan regarless of who you play for, but my question is what impact do you think coach Riley will have on your career?
Lamar Odom: I think it's going to be tremendous. He is one of the all-time great coaches in the NBA. He knows how to get the most out of talent.
Jason(PA): 5 best players in the NBA in order ?
Lamar Odom: Tim Duncan, Shaq, Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant and Jason Kidd.
Paul (Miami): I think you could have the same impact in the Heat as Tracy Mcgrady had for the Magic. What will be going to your mind when you face him?
Lamar Odom: Just to win a ballgame. The Heat had a lot of trouble with that team last year. There were some matchup problems. You play against a team, not a player.
Dan Wiberg, Orlando: Lamar, what is the toughest part about joining a new team, and changing coasts?
Lamar Odom: I'm from New York, so I am used to the East Coast. Because you are used to something, it can be scary to change. But sometimes you need to do it, and I think it will be good for me.
Benito /Germany-Berlin: What is your favourite basketball-moment(any player) of all time and why? Thank you. Keep your head up man and show me something in miami...
Lamar Odom: When I hit the buzzer beater to win the Atlantic 10 Championship over Temple. It was Rhode Island's first championship. My favorite game to watch was the Lakers comeback from 15 in the fourth quarter to beat the Blazers a few years ago in Game 7 of the Western. Conf Finals. I was at the game and it was amazing to watch.
bebe, norfolk: lamar -
what is one thing you like to do or song or food that you like that many might not know about?
Lamar Odom: I love Spanish food. I love the culture, the way they cook the food. I like really old R&B music, late 70s-early 80s stuff like the Earth Wind and Fire, Anita Baker and even the Temptations.
Drew (NY,NY): lamar, where do you get your rubberbands you wear?
Lamar Odom: My trainer from the Clippers got them made. I plan on keeping that tradition this year as well.
Eric (Allentown, PA): Who are your closest friends in the NBA?
Lamar Odom: Speedy Claxton from the Warriors. We went to high school together. Jeff McInnis, Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles from my Clippers days. And my new teamates will be.
sherod: will you avg. 20 pts. per game
Lamar Odom: That is a strong possibility. We have some players that like to score on this team. I want to come as close to averaging a triple-double as I can.
Boca Raton: What's the one thing you have been trying to improve this off-season? e.g. perimeter shooting, ball handling, etc.
Lamar Odom: My conditioning. I want to work on my strength and shooting as well. Those are my main focuses.
Lamar Odom: Thank all the fans for their support. Every year my jersey is near the top in sales and I want to thank them for that. And I want to encourage everyone to check out the Heat this year. I think we'll be exciting.
