Dallas fans don’t spare Clippers’ Lamar Odom
— Clippers forward Lamar Odom was booed by the Dallas Mavericks fans when he checked into the game in the first quarter
He was booed when he took the ball out of bounds, when he first touched the ball on offense and when he shot the ball.
Odom had spent a horrible 2011-12 season playing for the Mavericks. He was playing here for the first time since he was sent away last April, and the fans were letting their feelings be known.
The fans booed even when Odom wasn’t in the game and his face was shown on the video screen.
Odom finished the game with six points and six rebounds.
Del Negro on the future
It was an interesting question that even Clippers Coach Vinny Del Negro thought came at an interesting time of the season.
Del Negro was asked by a member of the media in front of the group about his coaching future with the Clippers.
The Clippers picked up Del Negro’s contract last year, but he wasn’t given an extension. His deal expires when the season is over.
“I enjoy the pressure,” Del Negro said. “That’s what it’s about. I love the competition. Could things be a little bit better in certain areas? Of course. But all those things get answered at the end of the year.
“Our focus is on tonight’s game and on this season and all those things get answered at the end of the season, one way or the other,” he said.
The Clippers are playoff-bound for the second consecutive season under Del Negro. It will be only the third time in franchise history the Clippers have had consecutive playoff appearances.
Del Negro was asked if his future was tied to how far the Clipper go in the playoffs this season.
“No, my future is great,” Del Negro responded. “I’ve got a great future, no matter what. I’ve been pretty fortunate, so I don’t really worry about that stuff so much. Like I said, all those things take care of themselves when we finish.”
Etc.
Chauncey Billups sat out his third straight game because of a strained right groin.
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