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Odom Still Doesn't Know How To Handle Refs

Feb 27, 2010 10:23 AM EST

Lakers veteran forward Lamar Odom says that he still doesn't know how to talk to NBA referees.

"And I'm in my 10th year," Odom said, saying he'd been fined "lots of times for all kinds of things. Maybe in my 11th I'll know how."

Odom added that he has a couple of ways to handle issues.

"When I come in here for my pregame prayer, I always ask God for composure," he said. "I try not to be too emotional."

Via Press-Enterprise

Los Angeles Lakers

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Jackson Calls Ilgauskas Situation 'Sham', 'Charades'

Feb 26, 2010 6:31 PM EST

Phil Jackson once again was critical of the NBA's loophole that allowed Cleveland to deal away Zyrunas Ilgauskas for Antawn Jamison.

"It's something that's going to have to be addressed in the next (collective bargaining agreement),'' Jackson said of the rule in its current form. "It's a sham of sorts to make that kind of trade. You're not really trading a player. You're just trading a money situation. It's a sham, and I think it's a disrespect for the league and the players to be involved in this type of a thing.''

Jackson had expressed disapproval last week about the deal, calling it a "weird situation.''

Jackson said perhaps the rule should be changed to make it a waiting period of multiple months before a player could return to the team that dealt him.

"You only have a rule about not being able to trade the player after you signed him in free agency until mid-December after you signed him in August,'' Jackson said of the rule that calls for a player signed as a free agent during the offseason not being eligible to be traded until Dec. 15 or 90 days, whichever is later. "Maybe something like that could be instituted where it's two or three months ... if it's the same team. Otherwise, it's just kind of charades.''

Via Fanhouse

Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers

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Artest Wants To Get Defense Back To Where It Once Was

Feb 26, 2010 5:36 PM EST

Lakers forward Ron Artest wants to become an elite defender once again.

"I'm trying to get my defense back to what it was a couple of years ago," Artest said recently. "I think I'm on the path. The second half of this season and then next year, I should be one of the best defenders."

Artest has been battling plantar fasciitis this season and has begun focusing on his diet as well.

He weighted 266 pounds two months ago, more than 20 pounds heavier than what he was when he was the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year back in 2004.

Artest stopped eating snacks late at night and has stuck to a diet that is compromised of 95% fish and vegetables.

"I'm moving quick. I think the last four games I've played good defense," he said.

"It started with [Corey] Maggette in the fourth quarter then it went to [Paul] Pierce and then to Rudy [Gay], when I held him below his average. I held Shawn [Marion] a point below his average, although he's not a big scorer."

Via Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Lakers

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Lakers Feb 2010 Archive