Odom resigns! Candy for everyone!

Odom agrees to stay with Lakers
AP

LOS ANGELES -- Lamar Odom is sticking with the NBA champs.

After a rocky free-agent courtship, Odom agreed on a multi-year contract Thursday to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers, keeping intact most of the roster that won the club's 15th NBA title this summer.

Lakers spokesman John Black confirmed an agreement, but wouldn't discuss specifics. Odom still hasn't signed the deal, but could do so as early as Friday.

The contract, which is expected to contain three guaranteed years and a fourth-year option, maintains the Lakers' core of Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Derek Fisher and Odom alongside new teammate Ron Artest. Odom's return means Los Angeles likely will be favored to win another Western Conference title -- and that's what the 6-foot-10 Odom said he prized most during his eventful few weeks as a free agent.

Odom, a 10-year NBA veteran, proved his determination to win last season when he accepted and thrived in a reserve role for the Lakers, averaging 12.3 points and 9.1 rebounds during the postseason.

Odom repeatedly said he preferred to stay with the Lakers, but apparently came close to leaving -- either by choice or necessity. Los Angeles pulled a previous contract offer from the table when Odom was slow to respond to it, and Dwyane Wade heavily lobbied Odom to return to Miami, where they spent one season together.

Like there was ever any question! Actually in the interest of full disclosure I was really worried that Odom would bolt for Miami and that, without him, the Lakers would not be the favorites next season. But crisis averted. Now that the Candy Man is back and Captain Crazy has come to town the Lakers are the clear cut front runners in 2010. I think I'll celebrate with some Skittles, some Mentos and some Colorado Bulldogs!