Lamar Odom - Consummate Teammate/Point Forward

"Basketball has given me everything I love.” Those were Lamar’s words as he talked about receiving the Sixth Man of the Year award. From 2008 to 2010, the Lakers made 3 straight Finals appearances. They lost to the Celtics in their first go around, but sacrifice was needed to claim the game’s greatest prize. Enter Lamar Odom. In 2009, even though he was an impending free agent, he accepted the role of coming off the bench. That selflessness shined through and allowed that Lakers team to win back-to-back championships.

The perennial playmaker was at his prime during this 3 year span: 2009 NBA championship. 2010 NBA championship. 2010 FIBA World Championship. 2011 Sixth Man of the Year. He became the first player in history to win NBA and FIBA gold in the same year. What’s more impressive is that he was arguably the most important player on that 2010 team riddled with past and future MVPs (Derrick Rose, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry), Finals MVPs (Chauncey Billups, Andre Iguodala), and DPOYs (Tyson Chandler). His versatility allowed that team to flourish, starting as the center for every game of the tournament, and leading the team in rebounds.

No matter what happens, those who love the game should love how much Lamar has given back. He’s shown us what’s important in basketball: unselfishness. Sacrifice. Heart.

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