Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom has reached an agreement in principle to sign with Besiktas of Turkey and team up overseas with New Jersey Nets star Deron Williams, according to .
Final details have not been sorted out, but Odom indicated he plans to join the Istanbul- based team as early as next week if the NBA lockout continues.
reported the deal would pay Odom in excess of $2 million if he spends the rest of the season with Besiktas. The deal will include an opt- out clause to return to the NBA as soon as the lockout ends, same as in Williams’ contract.
After Minnesota Timberwolves star Kevin Love turned down the chance last weekend to take a similar deal to play alongside Williams, reported Odom became Besiktas’ new target. Besiktas has been trying for days to acquire a top-flight big man to pair with Williams, who erupted for 50 points Tuesday in a EuroChallenge game against Gottingen of Germany.
Besiktas wanted a big man from the NBA even before Cleveland Cavaliers forward Semih Erden suffered a thumb injury in the victory over Gottingen. According to various media reports in Turkey, Besiktas also entered into talks with Williams’ New Jersey teammate Brook Lopez this week while waiting on Odom’s decision.
Other players on Besiktas’ radar in recent days, according to NTV Spor, were Nuggets free-agent center Nene and Phoenix Suns center Marcin Gortat. Denver Post wire services
