Laker forward Lamar Odom has been the subject of trade talk multiple times since the season ended, and even as recently as last week the talk has not let up.

Odom, however, wants to remain a Laker.

"I don't want to be traded, This is where I'd like to end my career. L.A. is L.A., and it's also my second home."

The Pacers wanted Odom, but they also wanted young center Andrew Bynum, which was enough to turn away the Lakers. Minnesota wasn't thrilled about acquiring Odom in a direct trade with the Lakers partly because of his salary (two years remaining, $27.4 million total). More recently, the Lakers value Odom in the triangle offense as much as, if not more, than Shawn Marion, who wants out of Phoenix.

Odom is again expected to be the team's second-leading scorer, top rebounder and second- or third-best assist man. He might come back with a little edge, as well.

"He obviously wants to prove himself as a player," Coach Phil Jackson said. "I thought he was having a great year last year. He shares the game with players and I think that's a real important aspect of it."