The Dallas Mavericks' decision to deactivate Lamar Odom for the rest of the season was an unusual one that seems to have stemmed from a buildup of frustration as Odom struggled to adjust to playing in Dallas.
However, it appears there was one moment that pushed things to a breaking point. Odom and owner Mark Cuban got into a halftime argument in Odom's last game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday, according to an ESPN Dallas report:
According to sources, the crux of the heated halftime confrontation was Cuban asking Odom if he was "in or out." Sources said Odom, who had played only four minutes in the first half, reacted angrily to the question and did not take his seat on the bench until after the third quarter began.
Cuban had previously been one of Odom's advocates, even after coach Rick Carlisle and other players publicly expressed disappointment in Odom's play and demeanor. Cuban declined to comment in the ESPN Dallas story.
Odom was having his worst season as a pro after being dealt from the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging just 6.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. By deactivating him, the Mavericks are keeping him on their roster, so he will not play for another team this season. The Mavericks can still trade him at the NBA Draft in June.
For more on the Mavericks, visit Mavs Moneyball and SB Nation Dallas.
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