Odom, Ariza not concerned about future with Lakers

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(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-11-04 17:12

Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza were happy to hear that Andrew Bynum had signed a four-year, $57.4-million contract extension. Odom and Ariza can't negotiate new deals until July 1, but neither seemed concerned about his future when they talked Friday after practice.

Boston Celtics' Kevin Garnett (R) goes up to score past Los Angeles Lakers' Lamar Odom during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Finals basketball championship in Boston June 17, 2008. [Agencies]

Odom will earn $11.4 million in the final year of his contract this season. (His salary counts as $14.1 million against the salary cap because of a trade kicker he received when the Lakers acquired him from Miami.) Last summer Odom's agent talked to the Lakers' management about a contract extension but was told to wait until next summer. Odom, who turns 29 Thursday, was asked if he'd be willing to take less money to stay with the Lakers.

"If the deal is long enough, yeah, I could," Odom said. "All my power is in L.A., as far as what I'm trying to do off the court with my businesses." He was also asked if his preference was to make at least what he is getting now, in the $11-million to $12-million per year range. Who wants to take a pay cut?" Odom said. "Nobody. A garbage man, if he makes $8 [an hour] one day, he at least wants to make $8 or $9 the next day. He works every day. He doesn't want to take a cut.

Ariza, whom the Lakers acquired last season in a trade with the Orlando Magic, will make $3.1 million this year. Ariza has been very solid in the first two games, averaging 11 points, four rebounds and making four of five three-pointers.