If you bet horses, you know that the Lakers are a thoroughbred that will be near the top of the sportsbook betting list at the beginning of the season, with or without Lamar Odom. That said, things would be a lot easier with him in the fold.

The Lakers apparently pulled their three-year, $27 million offer off the table, and it seems that Odom wants a longer contract, as he knows this is his last chance at a big contract. Odom’s skillset makes him crucial to the Lakers’ chances, as he’s a 6’10″ forward who can score inside and out, can dribble and pass like a guard, and when he wants to, he can take over games. He even accepted his bench role and ran with it, becoming a major player in the Lakers’ title run. Also, with Ron Artest on the team, the Lakers would love to keep Odom around as he’s good friends with Artest (both are from New York), and he could step in if/when things get out of hand between Artest and Kobe Bryant (it’ll happen, go to your handicapping software and book it). Honestly, the Lakers might as well just give it to him, it’s not like he’s asking to get paid more that Mehmet Okur, who got over $10 million from Utah.

Seriously though, Lakers, do it. If you do, I’ll make the Nationals one of my baseball picks next year.