Another twist in the brief, but strange Lamar Odom situation in Dallas: Now he's not going to the D-League, as was reported a few days ago. The team actually sent out a press release announcing he was "recalled" despite him not actually ever playing for the affiliate. More details via ESPN Dallas:
Forward Lamar Odom will skip what was Saturday's scheduled return to the court in the D-League, and instead report directly to the Dallas Mavericks as they seek to snap a four-game skid, according to sources close to the situation.This comes a day after coach Rick Carlisle didn't hold back on Odom saying his patience was "worn thin" and questioned if he was really all in with the team.The Mavericks, who have lost five of six, face the Utah Jazz Saturday night in Dallas.
Odom, his agent, Jeff Schwartz, and Mavs owner Mark Cuban had met earlier this week in Dallas and worked out a plan to ease Odom back onto the team after his personal absence unexpectedly extended more than a week.
He was just hours away from reporting to the D-League's Texas Legends in nearby Frisco for the morning shootaround and was to play in their game Saturday night to build up stamina before returning to the Mavs for their road game Monday at Oklahoma City. Odom has not played in a game since Feb. 20.
But after Dallas lost Friday to the New Orleans Hornets 97-92, plans changed because the Mavs need him now, a source said.
It's not an ideal situation for a defending champion to deal with. They've had enough turnover in losing Tyson Chandler, J.J. Barea and others so an issue with Odom isn't just a distraction, but hurts them on the court as well.
Odom has missed four games due to a family matter. He'll be in uniform Saturday as the Mavs play the Jazz in Dallas.
