Besides the Losing, Odom Huffs Along

In his third game back after missing nearly a year because of injuries, Clipper forward Lamar Odom led the team in scoring Thursday night with 20 points, had nine rebounds and was even accurate from the field (seven for 11), an aberration on this team.

But, he says, it’s still a struggle.

“The guys I’m playing against didn’t stop playing because I was out,” he said. “It’s going to take a while for me to get all the way back, but my wind is better.”

Odom says he won’t really feel like he’s back until the Clippers get into the win column.

“They haven’t won a game since I’ve been back,” he said. “I hope it’s not me.”

TONIGHT

vs. Memphis, 5 PST

Site -- The Pyramid

Radio -- KXTA (1150).

Records -- Clippers 12-20, Grizzlies 9-22

Record vs. Grizzlies (2001-02) -- 3-1.

Update -- Jerry West got so nervous in close games that he couldn’t watch, so frustrated when his team struggled that it affected his health. And that was when he ran the Lakers, the best team in basketball when West left. So imagine what he’s going through now as president of the Grizzlies, a team that has failed to break into double figures in the win column as the new year dawns, a team that is below .500 at home (8-9).

-- Steve Springer