Odom Is Seeking Goodwill Gesture

Lamar Odom doesn’t know Flip Saunders too well but he is hoping the Minnesota Timberwolves’ coach is considering him as a candidate for the U.S team for the 2001 Goodwill Games in Brisbane, Australia.

Until now, Odom considers playing in the McDonald’s All-American high school game as his biggest individual achievement, but that would change if Saunders were to select him for the U.S. team.

“I haven’t heard anything yet but I would definitely love to play,” Odom said before Friday night’s game against Seattle. “Playing for America is the biggest basketball [accomplishment] in the world. Nothing would be better than to represent your country.”

For the first time, the U.S. Goodwill Games team will be made up of NBA players. They have to be drafted in either 1999 or 2000, or be 22 or younger. Although a team has not been announced, some players have been contacted about making the necessary three-week commitment, which includes a two-week training camp in late August and games scheduled from Sept. 3-9.

“I hope they pick me,” said Odom, who is 21 and was selected fourth overall by the Clippers in 1999. “I would really love to play.”

Rookie Darius Miles is also a candidate.

TONIGHT

vs. Cleveland

7:30, Channel 9

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Clippers 26-47, Cavaliers 26-46.

* Record vs. Cavaliers--0-1.

* Update--The Clippers will attempt to go over .500 at home for the first time this season. They defeated the Cavaliers last month at Cleveland. A victory tonight also will give the Clippers their first season-series sweep of Cleveland in franchise history.

* Tickets--(800) 462-2849