The Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom has signed a multi-year deal to stay with the NBA basketball champions.
The 2.08m, 104kg free agent had mulled over an offer to return to the Miami Heat but Los Angeles was always the place where he wanted to be.
Odom joined Los Angeles in July 2004 from Miami in a multiple trade for Shaquille O'Neal.
Although financial details were not disclosed by Los Angeles, Odom's contract is estimated by local media to be worth 50 million over four years.
His retention will bolster a powerful Lakers starting line-up comprising NBA Finals MVP Kobe Bryant, Spanish forward Pau Gasol and veteran guard Derek Fisher, plus forward Ron Artest who joined the franchise earlier this month.
Odom, a 10-year NBA veteran, was a significant factor in helping the Lakers clinch the 2008-09 title, averaging 12.3 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.35 blocks in the postseason.
The versatile forward started 32 regular season games for the Lakers when centre Andrew Bynum was sidelined with injury before fully embracing his bench role in the playoffs.
