Odom Finally Practices

Lamar Odom finally left the sidelines Tuesday at Los Angeles Southwest College, practicing with the Clippers for the first time in almost 11 months. He participated in many of the drills, moving at about 60% of full speed on his injured right ankle.

“I feel like I just took a step forward,” said Odom, a small forward who hasn’t played since he was placed on the injured list Jan. 24 because of a sprained right wrist. While he was rehabilitating his wrist, Odom stepped on a stray basketball Feb. 14 while attempting a dunk and sprained his ankle. He re-injured his ankle during the off-season and it was placed in a hard cast Aug. 26. His wrist has been sound for several weeks.

“I can see a light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

For once, it doesn’t appear to be a train speeding toward him.

“With a couple more practices like this one I should be better,” said Odom, who averaged 13.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.9 assists despite playing only 29 games last season because of the wrist and ankle injuries plus an eight-game drug suspension. “It doesn’t react right yet. I’ve got to tell it what to do. ‘Move. Go that way.’ There’s still some swelling.”

The Clippers, determined to be cautious, are eager to see how Odom’s ankle responds today. The target date for his return remains Christmas.

“I’m getting ready to get back to what I do,” he said. “That’s playing basketball. I feel like I’m part of a team again. I get through this and I’ll get through anything.”

Coach Alvin Gentry seemed pleased enough to see Odom on the floor. But Gentry cautioned against expecting too much too soon from Odom, who averaged 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists in 76 games in 2000-01.

“Obviously, he’s not in midseason form, but it’s a start,” Gentry said. “When you’re out that long, it’s going to take a while to get back. It’s taking Shaq [O’Neal, Laker center,] a while to get back, and he’s the best player in the league by far. [Odom] is in the preliminary stages right now. He’s doing drills and running through some plays.”

*

TONIGHT

vs. Miami, 7:30

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- KXTA (1150), KTNQ (1020, Spanish).

Records -- Clippers 6-12, Heat 5-12.

Record vs. Heat -- 1-0.

Update -- Andre Miller is doubtful to play because of a sprained left ankle. Michael Olowokandi is on the injured list because of tendinitis in his left knee. Elton Brand cut short his workout Tuesday because of a sore quadriceps. Quentin Richardson practiced after sitting out Monday because of stomach flu.

Tickets -- (800) 462-2849.