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NBA fans over the age of 15 certainly remember Toni Kukoc, aka “the Croatian Sensation”, “the white Magic” even “the European Jordan”. He played in the NBA from 1993 to 2006, most famously (or infamously, depending on one’s perspective) with the Bulls from 1993 to 2000.

On paper and on his European precedence, Toni was an offensive and defensive nightmare. Toni was 6′11″ (or 6′10″ or & 7′0″ depending on who measured him), lean, agile, a skilled ball-handler, and an adept shooter, who was most comfortable at small forward, but could play all 5 positions. Unfortunately, the NBA doesn’t play on paper.
Toni was a decent, but inconsistent 6th man with some guys named Michael and Scottie who won 3 rings with the Bulls. Although he won “6th man of the year” once, he should have perennially owned the award. He could handle the ball like a point guard, shoot (erratically) like a shooting guard, and “go to the hole” like a small/power forward.

Unfortunately though, you never knew which “Toni” would show up, “the white Magic” or “the Land of the Lost Toni”. Plus, he was strangely, despite his versatility, a defensive liability…couldn’t anything that moved. For his career, he averaged 11.6 pts/game, 3.7 assts/game, and 4.2 rebounds/game. Although his numbers during his seven years with Bulls were better….peaking one (freak) year (starting, post MJ) with an 18.7 points/game average.

This brings us to Lamar Odom. His similarities to Kukoc are fascinating, if not disappointing. At 6′10″ (or 7′0″ if you believe Reggie Miller…NOT), agile, versatile, athletic, a good ball-handler, a capable shooter, and wiry, Lamar SHOULD be an offensive and defensive nightmare. BUT…He is neither. Like Kukoc was, Lamar has yet to find anyone wearing shorts that he can properly defend, and offensively the only thing the Lakers can depend on is him, at least once/game performing his “Muhammad Ali-shuffle-between-the legs-dribble” thingie and acquiring at least one charging file while wildly driving to the basket…without looking at who’s standing right in front of him.

Also, like Kukoc, Lamar plays with two great team mates, Kobe Bryant & Pau Gasol. As MJ and Scottie tried to help (and screamed at) Kukoc elevate his game to match his potential, so does Kobe (morseso than his sidekick) and Pau attempt likewise with Lamar. It didn’t work with Kukoc and it’s not working with Lamar. Kukoc performed better when MJ & Scottie left the Bulls. Perhaps that’s what needs to happen with Kobe & Pau for Lamar. Things is that Bulls won no more rings with MJ & Scottie as the Lakers surely will win no more rings without Kobe & Pau. So…what good is/will be Lamar?

Lamar is not the main reason that the Lakers find themselves one game from being eliminated from the title by the hated Celtics. However, he is a major contributor to the problem…or better said…a major NON-contributor to the Lakers’ performance and opportunities in this series.

A Sports Jabber associate & non-Lakers-fan friend of mine suggested that the Lakers would be better off with Chloe Kardasian (Lamar’s wife) at forward. I vehemoutly called a “foul” on him. How could he dare voice such an insult. After all…everyone knows that the Lakers would be better off with KIM Kardasian at forward. With her big booty, she could block out BOTH Kendrick Perkins and “Big Baby” Davis to get some rebounds. And we know she can score…as proven with Ray J and Reggie Bush.

Go Lakers in Game 6 (&7?)…before I pick out my jump-off spot on the nearest bridge.

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