Odom Is Waiting on Olympics

LA Times
By Mike Bresnahan, Times Staff Writer

SALT LAKE CITY — Some of the big names have already RSVP'd to the party, but Lamar Odom continues to wait for the invitation.

Kobe Bryant has already committed to the cause, as has Boston Celtic All-Star Paul Pierce, but Odom hasn't been asked to play for the U.S. in the 2008 Olympics.

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A member of the U.S. basketball team in 2004, Odom will meet with Team USA managing director Jerry Colangelo when the Lakers play Jan. 20 in Phoenix, Odom said.

"He said he'd rather talk face-to-face than over the phone," Odom said.

Colangelo has aggressively courted several perennial All-Stars because he is requiring a stronger commitment than in recent years. Team members could be asked to play over the summer in the 2006 World Championship and perhaps a zone qualifying tournament next year.

The increased dedication stems from the U.S. taking only a bronze in Athens after losing to Argentina in the semifinals.

"I think we had our chests out a little bit too much, like we thought we couldn't lose," Odom said.

One of three U.S. players to score in double figures in all three medal-round games, Odom wants another chance with Team USA.

"I hope so," he said.

Laker draft pick Ronny Turiaf, averaging 9.3 points and 5.3 rebounds for the CBA's Yakima (Wash.) Sun Kings, needs a little more seasoning before the Lakers consider signing him, Coach Phil Jackson said.

"He's not going to be in shape to play [NBA] basketball yet for a while," Jackson said. "It's a matter of giving it time."

Turiaf was drafted 37th by the Lakers in June and underwent open-heart surgery a month later to repair an enlarged aortic root.

The Lakers' other second-round pick, Von Wafer, set a couple of career highs Tuesday against Utah.

He had nine points in 17 minutes, making three of nine shots and taking two rebounds. He muffed a dunk attempt in the second quarter, the ball slipping out of his hands and feathering under the rim.

"I was a little bit too excited," he said. "I need to calm down a little bit."

GuRu wrote:He did well last time but Id be surprised to see him there next time.

Apparently the US may have finally got their act together and are going to truly send their best. If thats the case, than Odom has no chance. There is AT LEAST 30 players Id send beofre him in an instant.

extreme wrote:Odom was called up last time because KG, Duncan, Jermaine, Shaq, ... didn't go, that was the only reason he got in the team

KB8@CL Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2006 12:55 pm Post subject:

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I want Lamar on that team. He has enaugh scorers around him and can set them up with the best of em. I would very welcome that and IMO he is a GREAT fit.
Imagine Kobe, Arenas, James, Amare and Jermaine on the floor. They are all number 1 options and IMO you also need players that can contribute without scoring and Lamar is just a perfect fit.

RoadRunner wrote:Lamar needs to be more consistent and concentrate on his job first before he decides to go anywhere, He should just keep playing hard and if the opportunity comes then fine, but don’t go out trying to get another job while your team is struggling at the one your at now.

Colangelo, named head of USA Basketball after the team's poor performances at the 2002 worlds and 2004 Olympics, has made it clear that the U.S. team would not be a collection of superstars hastily put together.

Instead, he wants a group, including role players, that would make a three-year commitment to participate in the camps and form a cohesive team for the worlds this year in Japan and the Olympics in Beijing.