Free agent forward Lamar Odom and his agent flew from Los Angeles to Miami on Tuesday evening to meet with Heat coach Pat Riley. The parties are scheduled to meet again this morning.

But Odom is hopeful his stay in Miami lasts a bit longer -- as in six years.

Odom, a restricted free agent of the Clippers, said Tuesday he was coming to Miami for more than just a chat. The 6-10 forward has not received the type of interest from the Clippers he was expecting, so his current goal is to work out a deal with the Heat.

''I'm coming down there hopefully to stay down there, you know,'' Odom said from Los Angeles while boarding a plane to Miami on Tuesday afternoon. ``Hopefully me and Coach Riley and my agent can see eye to eye.

``I've been loyal to the Clippers because they've been loyal to me, but right now I'm just trying to make the best decision for my career.''

As a restricted free agent, Odom's previous team, the Clippers, would have 15 days to match any offer made to the four-year veteran. But Odom's agent, Jeff Schwartz, has met with the Clippers' front office this week and was unable to reach a deal. The Clippers reportedly offered a three-year deal worth $24 million. The Heat is reportedly willing to offer Odom a six-year deal in the neighborhood of $60 million.

Odom said he hopes the Heat can construct a contract that the Clippers will be unwilling to match.

''I think that's the reason for me coming down there,'' Odom said. ``I think this is what we're trying to get done. It's more than just a talk. Hopefully we can reach an agreement where I stay down here.''