Clipperholics
Fansided

8 Players the LA Clippers gave up on too soon

By Zachary Bachar

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - APRIL 06: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in action during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on April 06, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - APRIL 06: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in action during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on April 06, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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Lamar Odom of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts as his team is called for a foul during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Staples Center on March 20, 2011, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Lamar Odom of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts as his team is called for a foul during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Staples Center on March 20, 2011, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

4: Lamar Odom

Taking it back to 1999, Odom was drafted fourth overall by the Clippers and instantly looked like a pro. In the first game of his career, he put up 30 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks on 56% shooting.

He made All-Rookie first team as a 20-year-old, then averaged 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game as a sophomore. His passing ability as a 6’10” forward was spectacular, becoming one of the deadliest transition players in the league.

Odom spent four seasons in the blue and red before hitting restricted free agency. The Miami Heat offered a contract to fellow teammate Elton Brand, which the front office matched. Miami then turned around and offered a deal to Odom, but the Clippers’ front office decided not to match it this time.

Odom would go on an extended run of postseason success

In Miami, Odom teamed up with rising star Dwyane Wade for a season in which they made it to the second round of the playoffs before losing in six games to the Indiana Pacers. Odom was then part of the trade package that brought Shaquille O’Neal to the Heat, meaning that he was heading to the Lakers.

He accumulated a few respectable seasons with the Lakers before being moved to the bench after the addition of Pau Gasol, which is where he found his true role. Odom won 6th Man of the Year in 2011 and had a major part in two consecutive championship runs.

While he never ended up making an All-Star team, it still stings to have watched him walk away in free agency back in 2003.