TwitterA question mark continues to hang over Lamar Odom's future in the NBA—and the L.A. Lakers won't be providing any answers at this time.
John Black, the team's VP of public relations, tells E! News that there is "no truth at all" to rumors that the Lakers are reserving a roster spot for Odom—or any other free agent—for the coming season.
Odom, who won two championship rings and a Sixth Man of the Year Award during his seven-season run with the Lakers, is currently a free agent. He was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 2011 and then was part of a four-player trade that landed him with the L.A. Clippers, the team he started his career with, for the 2012-13 season.
But while Khloé Kardashian Odom's husband won't be returning to the Lakers anytime soon, Black also said that those who've worked with Lamar "love him and care about him very much."
Los Angeles Times sports columnist Bill Dwyre made a case for Odom in the paper this week, after he was arrested on suspicion of DUI, arguing that the 33-year-old forward is known around the league as a good teammate and an all-around good guy—and is deserving of another chance to contribute to a team once his personal issues are sorted out.
"I understand he is going through a lot right now. It is never easy," former Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro, who coached Odom last season, told the Times. "He has always had some difficult obstacles and they weigh on him a lot. You feel bad, but you hope he is all right."
"Lamar can still play," Del Negro added. "It's not the basketball skills that are the problem. Once he gets himself in shape and gets his mind wrapped around basketball, he can help [a team]."
Odom was arrested early Friday morning and booked on charges of driving under the influence and refusing to take a chemical test, both misdemeanors. A court hearing is scheduled for Sept. 27.
Last night sources said that he had checked into a treatment facility.
A source told E! News early last week that reports of Khloé and Lamar being separated were not true and that the family was "focused on getting Lamar better."