Why Did Lamar Leave Dallas?

Odom was devastated in December when he was included in the post-lockout trade that would have sent him from the Lakers to New Orleans. He was so distraught that, when the deal wasn't consummated, the Lakers felt compelled to send him away to Dallas for nothing rather than deal with the emotional fallout.

Why did Lamar leave the Lakers?

Odom recently told the Vertical that being traded by the Lakers at that point in his career and life still haunts him today. “That trade from the Lakers basically ended my career and purpose,” Odom said. “I was never really myself ever again. Being in L.A., the structure, the people I knew, it hurt leaving.

When did Lamar leave Dallas?

' Like, if you know him, you knew how much it meant for him to be with the Lakers.” Odom struggled with the Mavericks, his confidence and focus eroding along with his playing time. On his final day with the team, in April 2012, he turned to a teammate at practice.