Odom Retwists Ankle

Clipper forward Lamar Odom, who played in only 29 games last season because of injuries and a suspension, has re-injured his right ankle and could miss the start of the season.

Odom, 22, on Monday had a cast put on the ankle, which he twisted again during a recent rehabilitation workout, the team said. Tony Daly, the Clippers’ team doctor, said Odom’s ankle had an accumulation of fluid and swelling and recommended that Odom consult with two foot-and-ankle specialists before settling on Monday’s decision.

The injury is expected to sideline Odom eight to 12 weeks. The Clippers open the 2002-03 season at Staples Center on Oct. 30 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Eight weeks would mean an Oct. 21 return, and 12 weeks would be Nov. 18.

Clipper spokesman Joe Safety said the 6-foot-10 Odom has been working out this summer, primarily at Loyola Marymount, always under the direct supervision of someone from the organization, including coaches and trainers.

Assistant trainer Robbie Davis even traveled with Odom to Rhode Island recently, where the Clipper player was conducting a basketball camp.

Odom, who could not be reached for comment, originally injured the ankle Feb. 14 while recovering from a sore right wrist. At the team shoot-around that day, Odom dunked a basketball, stepped on it, fell and suffered a high-ankle sprain.

“I’m sad,” Odom said at the time. “There’s nothing I can do about it. It was a freak accident. I just want to do everything I can to get back as soon as possible.”

Before the most recent setback, Odom had appeared to be on track for a return to training camp.

Odom, who also missed eight games last season for violating the terms of the NBA’s antidrug program, injured the ankle again while dunking, but Safety said the player did not land on the ball this time, only landing awkwardly on the floor.

Part of Odom’s treatment includes an electrical stimulation device in the cast to promote healing. The team will evaluate Odom’s ankle in four weeks to determine his progress.

“I don’t know that we’ve used that in the past,” Safety said of the electrical device. “It’s designed so the player can return in the optimum amount of time.”

Last season, Odom set career lows with averages of 13.1 points and 6.1 rebounds and did not play after Jan. 18 against the Cavaliers, when he scored five points in 24 minutes. He was put on the injured list six days later and missed the rest of the season.