For kids in grimy Nagpada in Mumbai, where the National Basketball Association has just refurbished the basketball court that has produced Indian basketball greats, this is a story of hope and achievement that could ring a bell.
For kids in grimy Nagpada in Mumbai, where the National Basketball Association has just refurbished the basketball court that has produced Indian basketball greats, this is a story of hope and achievement that could ring a bell.
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Los Angeles Lakers' Lamar Odom (left) blocks a shot by Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard during the Lakers' win in the second game of the NBA finals in Los Angeles yesterday. PIC/AP |
From South Jamaica in Queens, the seedy underbelly of NY City, and growing up at a time when cocaine and broken families were the norm, brought up by a single mother whom he saw consumed rapidly by cancer as a 12-year-old, LA Lakers star Lamar Odom has hardly had an uncomplicated childhood.
Now 30 and pegged by assistant coach and former Lakers star Kurt Rambis as an individual who loves life, Odom's is an incredible story of overcoming the odds.
"Nothing comes easy for me in life," Odom says after playing a pivotal role in Lakers' 101-96 triumph over Orlando Magic in the second of the seven-match NBA finals on Sunday.
"I have a big house now and I feel the door is going to break. I keep expecting bad things in my life," Odom, who scored 19 crucial points and returned eight rebounds in yesterday's game, adds.
Though life on the personal front has been rather rough, it comes as a surprise that Odom never ceases to smile. Be it during training sessions, matches or even while addressing the media, Odom always sports an affectionate grin.
"He is the kind of individual who has overcome a lot of obstacles in life. But the good thing is that he always sees the brighter side of life," informs Rambis.
Rambis adds that Odom has begun to enjoy this environment. Basketball was his passion and NBA is the pinnacle, and he is enjoying this experience.
He is one of the most loved and appreciated members of the team without any doubt.
"If I have to describe him in one sentence, I will say he is a genuinely good guy," says teammate DJ Mbenga.
While everyone including his teammates heaped praises on Odom, he insisted that he could have done better.
"I think I could have done better. I couldn't stop Rahshard (Lewis) from scoring," he said.
All said and done, his smile can do wonders to lift the morale of the team on an off day. Wonder, if has been approached to endorse dental products.
