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June 10, 2008

NBA FINALS PREGAME: Jackson wants more from Odom

BY KEVIN McNAMARA
Journal Sports Writer

LOS ANGELES – Phil Jackson certainly has lofty expectations for Lamar Odom.

Odom has dipped into his coach’s doghouse in this series. He didn’t play in the fourth quarter of Game Two, choosing instead to go with several shooters who combined to hit seven 3-pointers and almost bring the Lakers to the brink of a great comeback win.

After the game, Jackson said: "Lamar got confused out there tonight and that was difficult for him . . . rather than just taking a shot or making the right play, it looked liked he was a confused player out there at times."

Odom disagreed. He said he knew exactly where he should be and said, :I disagree with Phil. But we’re cool."

Perhaps Jackson’s issues are with expectations. While Odom is averaging 12 points, 7 rebounds and 1.5 assists, Jackson wants more. A lot more.

"I've given him a little bit of information, you know, some video work to do and to think about and some support basically,” Jackson said. “We need Lamar to play the type of game he can give us, a 10 12 rebound game and six or eight assists.”

That type of production would put Odom in the range for a triple-double. Perhaps he’s simply not that type of player.

Posted by Art Martone  at 9:12 PM | Permalink

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