Lamar Odom Interview
By InsideHoops.com | Jan. 31, 2006
On Tuesday the Los Angeles Lakers visited New York to battle the Knicks. InsideHoops.com editor Jeff Lenchiner met with Odom before the game for a quick, exclusive interview.
InsideHoops.com: During Kobe Bryant's 81-point game, as he's racking up all those points and on a tear, when did you realize it wasn't just a normal star game, but something really special?
Lamar Odom: Towards the end of the third quarter, when I see he had more points than he did in the Mavericks game, then you get to realize that if you still let him play one-on-one basketball, he's a master at that. Next thing you know he has 81 points. It was amazing being on the court to watch that.
InsideHoops.com: And basketball is a team game, but when someone is as hot as Kobe was, do you just focus on feeding it to him, feeding it to him?
Lamar Odom: As players, we're all still fans of the game. You can't help but sometimes to be in awe of some of the things he does on the court.
InsideHoops.com: The triangle offense, it generally takes a while for players to learn. Sometimes quite a long time. When did you start getting a grasp of it?
Lamar Odom: I'm still learning. But of course, I'm much better at it than I was at the beginning of the season. I just try to stay patient. It's an intricate offense, so you can't rush yourself. One good game can get you too high on yourself in this offense? One bad game can get you low. So, just trying to stay focused and learning every day.
InsideHoops.com: What types of things has Phil Jackson said to you about your game and what he wants from you?
Lamar Odom: Just to play my game. Don't be concerned about stats. Just try to play good basketball.
InsideHoops.com: Well you're a versatile guy, so what specifics?
Lamar Odom: Rebound, facilitate, pass the ball, score when needed.
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