The mere thought that Lamar Odom will find work 'After Dallas' is unsettling...
Most real jobs in this country are performance-based. Bonuses, promotions, reputations are typically the result of effective performance.
Lawyers, doctors, educators, etc. are all advanced in their respective fields as the result of their RESULTS.
Despite the fact that NONE OF THE ATHLETES in this country are truly worth the millions they are paid in this country, Dirk Nowitzki is a great player and he puts forth tremendous effort.
Kobe Bryant is a great player and his consistent effort proves that he wants to win.
As much as I don't care for LeBron James - I will never question his effort.
Several months ago the Lakers ushered Lamar Odom out of Los Angeles. He could've easily ended up on a bad team, with a laxed manager, and in a city NOT ready for Kardashian-hype. The fact that he was brought in by the reigning champions of the league should have been an honor for him.
I remember the initial press conference. I remember the first photo shoot when he was positioned next to a beaming Dirk and Vince Carter. Something about Odom's expression made me turn to whomever was sitting next to me at the time and utter: "He doesn't want to be here."
Yes, I am a Dallas resident... Yes, I am a lover of most things Los Angeles. At that very moment that I saw Odom standing next to my favorite German with almost a grimace on his face - I saw the writings on the wall. But like most Maverick fans - I tried to brush off my intuition.
For years I'd watched Odom excel in Miami and in Los Angeles, with both the Clippers and the Lakers, so I thought for sure he'd try to rid his face of the sadness and replace it with his game face.
I was certain that this GROWN MAN would not take our court every night with that cry-baby demeanor of his. I was absolutely positive that a former NBA champion would conduct himself as such. Boy was I wrong...
Many of us are comfortable with our city of residence after we've lived there for a certain time. But I don't know too many people that would refuse a salary in excess of $8 million to go somewhere else for some months. I would leave in a heartbeat...
Most people will NEVER be afforded the opportunities that Odom was given. He was welcomed by a team, welcomed by the owner, welcomed by the city. All he needed to do was play the way the league was accustomed to seeing him play. He could've easily returned to Los Angeles after this abbreviated NBA season.
Instead of sucking it up; instead of "playing" the game he's supposed to love and reaping the financial gains of the sport - Odom sulked on the bench. He rarely hustled while on the court.
I applaud Coach Carlisle. It was obvious that he made valiant efforts to incorporate Odom into the offense, but to no avail. The other Mavericks looked for Odom. They would pat him on the back. They were rooting for him. The fans would cheer extra loud in support of Odom on the rare occasions that he would make a basket.
Dallas tried. Odom did not.
This week, both my Facebook and Twitter timelines have been full of anti - Odom posts.
"He's a true Kardashian now - getting paid to do nothing."
It's sad, but very true.
At some point in late March I carried on for about an hour with Khloe Kardashian. It all started when I tweeted: "It seems like Khloe is trying harder to fit in with Lamar."
Being the idiot that she is - Khloe immediately took offense and went on ranting "just because have money, that doesn't mean they don't go through things..." blah, blah, blah!
I suppose the world should feel sorry for Lamar. He had to come to lowly Dallas and live in the rat infested penthouse of the W Hotel... O_o
Poor Lamar. Now he's listed as inactive for the remainder of the season and only gets a measly salary.
And how about the fact that there will most definitely be life for Lamar "After Dallas?"
It's sickening. He disrespected the game, the owner, the team and the fans. His basketball career should be OVER.
