Laboral Kutxa forward Lamar Odom will be out of action for two months with a back injury, citing the end of the ex-NBA player’s current contract.
The 34-year-old’s personal doctors in New York have informed the Liga Endesa side of the problem, leaving the Vitoria-based club no option but to release him. The club has said in a statement that Odom is welcome to come back to the club depending on how well he recovers from his injury.
Former NBA champion Odom flew to New York with permission of the club to seek treatment on a back injury that had flared up during Odom’s first domestic league game. He played two games and scored just 2 points in a total of 23 minutes for Laboral Kutxa.
Despite many people saying that Odom will not return to Spain and attempt a comeback in the NBA, the former USA international left a message of hope with the fans of Laboral Kutxa through a club statement.
“The voyage has not ended, but I have to be responsible towards the club,” Odom said. “I am injured and I will need two months in the States for rehab. I am satisfied with the club and the city and everything happens for a reason. I think there is a home for me in Vitoria.”
Laboral Kutxa are all but out of the Euroleague Top 16 with a 2-8 record but they sit in seventh position in the Liga Endesa, enough for an appearance in the post-season.
