Editor's Note: Odom and Lakers Staring at Lose-Lose Situation

The LA Times is reporting the Lakers have pulled their offer to Lamar Odom of three years, $27 million. Odom's agent wants five years with a base salary of $10 million a year, but that's really just a pipe dream. In a situation vaguely similar to the Dodgers' tumultuous negotiations with Manny Ramirez, Odom's best, and as it stands only, option is to return to the Lakers. He could get the five years he wants with Miami or Dallas, but the salary would be nowhere close to LA's offer since the two only possess their mid-level exception. Odom would be a key part of a dynasty-bound team in Los Angeles, but with the Heat or Mavericks he'd only be part of a one-and-done franchise. The Lakers need Odom to be their best player off the bench; if he leaves, the sixth-man role goes to Luke Walton. Both sides need the other to succeed, and if money splits the two apart, they both could face struggles that will make them regret their stubbornness.