Everything surrounding Lamar Odom in Dallas seemed to be getting smoothed out earlier today, as we learned about his voluntary D-League rehab assignment ahead of his impending return. Mavs coach Rick Carlisle, however, is getting tired of the saga that began when the Mavs acquired Odom from the Lakers before the season. Carlisle had some pointed comments on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM's Galloway & Co. radio show, as rounded up by Jeff Caplan.
"I'm disappointed with the way the whole thing's gone," Carlisle said. "We've worked hard with this kid. I'm a patient guy, Mark [Cuban] is a patient guy, [Mavs president of basketball operations] Donnie [Nelson] is a patient guy, our team is a patient team, but patience has worn thin here."
Carlisle also said the team will quickly find out "where things are at" with Odom when he returns, but still believes he can have a positive impact on the team if he competes the way he's capable. Odom will play Saturday for the D-League's Texas Legends, and Sunday, as Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News reports, he will return to the Mavs. (Twitter link)
Odom, 32, is averaging career lows in just about every major statistical category, including minutes played. He's making $8.9MM this year and is scheduled to earn $8.2MM next year, although only $2.4 of his 2012/13 salary is guaranteed.