No One Said Leading Clippers Was Easy, but Odom Learns Just How Tough It Is

Lamar Odom leads the Clippers in scoring, rebounds, assists, steals, blocked shots and minutes played. But he also has had moments when he allowed the frustration of losing to get the best of him.

He was ejected after getting two technical fouls in the Clippers’ season-opening loss at Utah, then was not allowed to start Wednesday night at Washington because he had remained home in New York, without permission, after the team’s loss to the Knicks on Monday.

“It’s always tough . . . both mentally and physically,” Odom said. “Being the youngest leader in the NBA on a team that has been called the worst franchise in sports--that’s a challenge. Sometimes, it makes me think. I’m never close to folding, but I might make a mistake. But this is bringing out the best of me.”

It’s not unusual for NBA stars to keep reporters waiting after games, taking their time getting dressed, then providing standard answers.

Not Odom. He may keep reporters waiting, but it’s because he is so beat up after games, he needs the time in the shower. And when he does talk about a game, the hardest part for him is keeping his composure because his emotions are running high.

“There’s no player in the league at the age of 21 with as much responsibility as Lamar,” Coach Alvin Gentry said. “We ask a lot of him for a franchise that is trying to rebuild and turn the corner. He’s still a kid, and sometimes we tend to lose sight of that. He’s maturing very fast, but he still has a lot to learn and at his age, he can only get better with time.”

TONIGHT

at Charlotte, 4:30 PST

Channel 9

* Site--Charlotte Coliseum.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Clippers 6-14, Hornets 12-8.

* Record vs. Hornets--(1999-2000) 0-2.

* Update--Charlotte has won the last five meetings and six of seven. The Clippers will complete their six-game trip at Minnesota on Saturday night.