Despite Skid, Odom Is Not About to Abandon Ship

With ice bags wrapped around both knees, Lamar Odom limped to his locker and shook his head Tuesday after the Clippers’ 112-91 loss to Milwaukee.

“We’ve just got our butts beat the last couple of games,” Odom said about the Clippers’ 0-4 trip that included defeats at Minnesota, Atlanta, Indianapolis and Milwaukee.

It’s easy to understand Coach Alvin Gentry’s disappointment, especially since the Clippers seemed to be coming around after defeating Denver in their last game at Staples Center.

“I think we played well in Minnesota and had an opportunity to win,” Gentry said. “But the other three games we didn’t play well at all. We had moments, a quarter or two quarters here and there, but I don’t think we played anywhere close to good basketball for 48 minutes in any of the other games.”

After a home game Thursday against Boston, the Clippers get their longest break of the season with two games over the next 10 days. But will it be a good thing or a bad thing for the up-and-down Clippers.

“It depends on how we use [the time off],” Odom said. “We can jump back from this and then say the time was needed. But if we continue to play like we are playing, there’s going to be a problem. Hopefully, we can turn things around.”

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After watching Ray Allen score 32 points, including three three-point baskets, Gentry did not seem surprised.

“How much more can he step up?” Gentry said. “He’s an Olympian, an all-star. The only way for him to step up any more would be to be MVP. . . . He’s a great, young player, but he’s always been impressive. He’s a great player, and an even better person than he is a player.”

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Swingman Corey Maggette will be out for at least three more games and he said it is difficult to watch the Clippers lose like they have on their winless trip.

“I feel like I want to play because I think the team needs me,” said Maggette, who is on the injured list after suffering a concussion in the Clippers’ loss Saturday at Atlanta.

“But I will listen to the doctors. Putting me on the injured list will give me time to get myself right.”

Maggette said he’s making progress but is still not ready.

“I’m feeling better but my balance is not really right,” he said. “I still get dizzy sometimes. I’ve never had a concussion but I’m hoping that I’ll be fine with some rest.”