The Lakers should take Game 5. If they even struggle to get this win, then I see a Game 7...
Is Odom's status still up in the air for this game?
Lakers-Rockets: Odom Update
May 12, 2009
Posted by: Dave McMenamin
LOS ANGELES - Lakers starting power forward Lamar Odom was limited because of soreness in his lower back at the team's Tuesday morning shootaround prior to Game 5 (10:30 ET, TNT).
He will be a game-time decision.
Lakers coach Phil Jackson trumpeted his player's warrior-like reputation on Monday, pointing out that Odom only missed one game all season (he actually missed four - three because of injury and one because of suspension).
Odom is averaging 8.5 points and 8.8 rebounds in four games this series.
Despite the fact that Odom swapped positions with Andrew Bynum in the starting lineup all postseason long, Bynum is not a lock to replace Odom if the versatile 6-foot-10 forward isn't ready to play come tip-off.
Josh Powell, who had his personal best game of the year with 17 points and nine rebounds during the regular season, could get the start because he plays the same position as Odom. Also, to match the small-ball lineup that Houston employed in Game 4, Jackson could give Luke Walton the nod.
While Odom would be missed if he isn't able to suit up, the outcome of Game 5 is going to rest on the shoulders of effort and execution rather than on personnel as the Rockets proved in Game 4 by routing the Lakers without Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming and Dikembe Mutombo.
NBA.com’s Dave McMenamin will be covering the second round series between the Lakers and Rockets. If you have a question or comment for him, send him an e-mail. You can also follow him on twitter.
May 12, 2009 5:14 PM EDT