Los Angeles, the city where dreams come true, well for Darius Johnson-Odom it is.
The Los Angeles Lakers have to submit their opening night roster to the league on Monday; however, those who were going to be cut had to be informed before Sunday to allow for the 48-hour waiver period.
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At this point there is a good chance that Johnson-Odom ends up on the Lakers’ roster for their opening night game against the Dallas Mavericks. The Los Angeles Times reports on Johnson-Odom’s chance of playing for the Lakers and what he needs to do in order to make sure he stays with the team.
“Coach Mike talked to me after practice today and said ‘Just keep working.’ There’s not going to be a lot of reps for me in the beginning but I’ve just got to keep working,” said Johnson-Odom. “I’ve just got to wait my turn. It’s just not my time right now and hopefully I’ll get that chance.”
Coach Brown spoke at practice and he does not believe the Lakers will make any additional cuts from now until opening night, meaning it looks like Johnson-Odom and Robert Sacre are in the clear.
Sacre has played a solid amount of minutes this off-season due to the injuries to the Lakers’ big men, but Johnson-Odom has stayed on the bench for the most part. Nevertheless, it is Johnson-Odom who will join the likes of Kobe Bryant on Tuesday night. At first, Johnson-Odom will not get a lot of playing time under coach Brown, but if he can continue his brilliant work ethic, don’t be surprised to see him on the court.
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In case you missed it: Dwight Howard talks about the slow process of putting together a championship team.
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