31 July,2009 11:25 AM IST | | AFP
Lamar Odom will remain with the Los Angeles Lakers after agreeing to a new deal with the reigning NBA champions, the team confirmed on Thursday.
While the Lakers did not reveal details of the deal, ESPN reported it was for at least three years worth a minimum of $27 million.
The deal would give the forward $25 million for the first three seasons of the contract with the Lakers holding an fourth-season option at $8 million or a $2 million-buyout.
Together with superstar backcourt playmaker Kobe Bryant and Spanish star big man Pau Gasol, Odom sparked the Lakers on a championship run.
Odom, who turns 30 next November, averaged 11.3 points and 8.2 rebounds in the regular season and led the Lakers with a club-best 98 blocked shots.
In the playoffs, Odom averaged 12.3 points and 9.1 rebounds a game.
The Miami Heat had also made a play for Odom, pitching up to 34 million over five seasons to have Odom join superstar guard Dwyane Wade after the Lakers pulled back from an earlier offer to Odom.
Instead, Odom's return secures the final major player from the season to return to the Lakers in hopes of a repeat bid next year.
The lone major loss was reserve forward Trevor Ariza, who left for Houston after the Lakers landed former Rockets standout Ron Artest.
