LAKERS ACQUIRE FIRST ROUND DRAFT PICK FROM DALLAS IN EXCHANGE FOR LAMAR ODOM & SECOND ROUND DRAFT PICK

EL SEGUNDO – The Los Angeles Lakers have acquired the Dallas Mavericks’ first round selection in the 2012 NBA Draft in exchange for Lamar Odom and the Lakers 2012 second round draft pick, it was announced today by General Manager Mitch Kupchak. In addition, the Lakers will receive a trade exception.

Odom originally joined the Lakers on July 14, 2004 along with Caron Butler, Brian Grant and a future first round draft pick as part of a trade with Miami that sent Shaquille O’Neal to the Heat. The transaction led to future deals that included sending Butler to Washington for Kwame Brown and Brown to Memphis in exchange for Pau Gasol.

“Lamar was a fine player for us in his seven years with the Lakers and was a key to helping us win two championships,” said Kupchak. “In addition, he always conducted himself with class and professionalism and we wish him well in the remainder of his career.”

A 12-year NBA veteran, Odom has averaged 14.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 829 career games over 12 NBA seasons. In 519 games (382 starts) with the Lakers, Odom posted career averages of 13.7 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3.7 assists.