Odom wants to start, and Jackson knows it

O.C. Register: Lamar Odom would rather start. He would rather have a big season and get another big contract to replace the one that expires at the end of this season. He would also rather win a championship with the Lakers than be elsewhere.

So Odom acknowledged he’s conflicted about his personal and team agendas, especially after Phil Jackson continues to ponder his brainstorm from the end of last season that the Lakers might be better served with Odom as a sixth man and defensive ace Trevor Ariza starting.

“Whatever he wants, I guess I would do,” Odom said. “But I wouldn’t suggest (a reserve role), especially in a year where I want to be on the court for obvious reasons.”

Jackson and Odom have spoken briefly about the matter, but Jackson remains set on waiting and seeing what kind of defense the tall frontcourt of Odom, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum can deliver together for the starting lineup. Jackson brought up the name of San Antonio’s Manu Ginobili to reporters after practice as an example of how elite teams usually have a starting-caliber player coming off the bench.

Jackson also offered this little dig when asked about the possible bench role motivating Odom to work harder: “I don’t know. I’ve never seen Lamar motivated before.”