Warriors reportedly targeting Lamar Odom as summer acquisition

Give the Golden State Warriors credit for ambition. First they thought they had a chance at convincing Dwight Howard to make a long-term commitment to the team. Now, they’re eyeing Lamar Odom, who recently parted ways with the Dallas Mavericks, as their potential new starting small forward, the Contra Costa Times reports.

But, the Times writes, acquiring Odom is “a long shot (for the Warriors). He would probably have to take less money and turn down a chance to be on a contender.”

The Mavericks have an $8.2 million team option on Odom next year. If Dallas cuts him, only $2.4 million of that is guaranteed. The Warriors have only the mid-level exception, about $5.6 million this season, available to sign him, the Times notes. But a contender also could offer him the mid-level exception, or a team with cap space could throw an $8-10 million deal at him. It’s also possible, but unlikely, for Golden State to put together a trade package compelling enough for Dallas to trade Odom.

But if the Warriors are able to swing it, a starting five of point guard Stephen Curry, shooting guard Klay Thompson, power forward David Lee, center Andrew Bogut and Odom at small forward doesn’t sound too bad.