Newly named president of the New York Knicks, Phil Jackson, announced today that the team has signed costless agent forward Lamar Odom for the remainder of the season (the season officially ends after the playoffs). The figures and details of the contract have not yet been released.
Odom won two championships under Jackson with the Lakers. His career averages are 13.3 ppg, 8.4 rpg, and 3.7 apg. The veteran forward has played 14 seasons in the league but has sat out most of the 2013-2014 season, playing only a short stint with a Spanish team in the Euroleague. He has dealt with drug abuse issues, as well as an apparent loss of desire to compete after he was traded from the Lakers to the Clippers last year. His disappointing season with the Clippers didn’t help him in costless agency.
Odom was allegedly seen smoking crack and participating in other drug use. The Knicks most likely believe that Odom’s behavior will change in New York with Phil Jackson as president and with the caliber of players that Odom will be play with (if he plays at all, or depending on whether or not the team keeps him).
Odom will participate in his first workout with the Knicks on Thursday. His return could be the start of a big change for the struggling Knicks. Phil Jackson looks to make big moves with the team, and a source close to him has leaked that it does not appear that Coach Mike Woodson will return next season.