Odom and the Mavericks Part Ways, Sorta

By - Kris Fletcher

The short union of Lamar Odom and the Dallas Mavericks just went from bad to bizarre.

Photo by: Getty Images

According to ESPN, Odom is leaving Dallas, but he's not actually being released.

Not yet, anyway.

"The Mavericks and I have mutually agreed that it's in the best interest of both parties for me to step away from the team," Odom said in a statement. "I'm sorry that things didn't work out better for both of us, but I wish the organization, my teammates and Dallas fans nothing but continued success in the defense of their championship."

Odom is averaging just 6.6 points and 4.2 rebounds a game since joining the Mavs. Both are less than half his career averages of 14.2 points and 8.6 rebounds per contest.

Even if Dallas decided to flat out release Odom now, he wouldn't be eligible for the playoffs because he already missed the March 23rd deadline to sign with another team. So, he will just be listed as inactive for the remainder of the season.

The 6'10 forward was traded to Dallas for a second-round draft pick back in December after commissioner David Stern vetoed a deal which would've originally sent Odom from Los Angeles to New Orleans for point guard Chris Paul.

Odom has a buyout of $2.4 million that must be exercised by no later than June 29th. If not, the Mavericks - or whichever club they attempt to send Odom to during the offseason - will be responsible for $8.2 million in 2012-13.

It was blatantly obvious that Odom's heart was never in Dallas, and I fully expect him to try and make his way back to Los Angeles next year. Either as a member of the Lakers or possibly the Clippers.

After all, Khloe is a Los Angeles type of girl.