Sports-Odds: Los Angeles Lakers Offer Odom to Join Ron Art..

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Los Angeles Lakers Offer Odom to Join Ron Artest and Kobe Bryant in 2009
Written by Abe Luciano
Thursday, 10 July 2008

Los Angeles Lakers Offer Odom to Join Ron Artest and Kobe Bryant in
2009: After being manhandled by a more-physical Boston Celtics team in
the 2008 NBA Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers will look for some
toughness this off season. BetUS.com has the betting odds for who will
win the 2008-2009 NBA Western Conference title.

On Thursday July 10, 2008, the Sacramento Bee has reported that the Los
Angeles Lakers recently contacted the Sacramento Kings regarding the
availability of All-star Forward Ron Artest. The Los Angeles Lakers'
betting odds to win the 2008-2009 NBA Western Conference title for
consecutive seasons are tops: +125.

According to the report, the Lakers are willing to offer Forward Lamar
Odom in return for the soon to be free-agent (after next season). The
Sacramento Kings' betting odds to win the 2008-2009 NBA Western
Conference titles are not very likely: +5000.

After being criticized for being a soft/finesse team, reports are now
indicating that the 2008 Western Conference Champion Lakers, believe
the ever-controversial Ron Arterst might be the answer to their
problems.

As of Tuesday evening, the Sacramento Kings have not yet confirmed nor
responded to the offer. According to Kings' president, Geoff Petrie:

"Right now (Artest is) just a terrific player to have on your roster...
I don't have any speculation one way or another (about his future).
Well see what other things –not specific to Ron– but if there's some
other way we can improve the team or change the team we'll take a look
at it."

The Los Angeles Lakers' 2008 NBA MVP, Kobe Bryant, has yet to comment
on the rumors of Lamar Odom's possible departure, nor has he spoken
publicly about the possibility of playing with Ron Artest. A few years
back, Artest almost became a Laker as he was seen sitting courtside at
the Staples. However, the Kings were able to bid LA for the contentious
star.

It is also speculated that Kenny Thomas might be a throw in, if the
Odom-Artest deal were to go through; because the Kings desperately need
to release some salary cap space.