.
Lamar Odom hasn’t played for the Mavericks since February 20th and his return to basketball will be for the Mav’s D-League affiliate, the Texas Legends. Odom had taken a personal leave to tend to his ill father, but when he did not return Monday as expected, Dallas owner Mark Cuban sat down with Odom and his agent to find out a suitable way to ease Odom back on the court.
Although supportive of their team mate, Dirk Nowitzki & Jason Kidd both expressed concern about Odom’s inconsistency & absence. Odom’s agent claims that it was actually Lamar’s idea to play for the Legends. According to NBA regulations, NBA veterans cannot be moved to D-League without their consent.
Odom will miss at least two more games. The Mavericks play the Hornets Friday night in New Orleans and host the Utah Jazz on Saturday.
Odom will have two private workouts Friday with Mavs consultant Tim Grgurich, who was flown in this week specifically to help Odom get ready for his return to the Mavs, according to ESPN.com’s Marc Stein.
Odom will join the Legends for their shootaround Saturday morning.
