Since his engagement and subsequent marriage to reality star Khloe Kardashian, Odom has felt the heat of flash bulbs everywhere he's gone in L.A. For Odom, though, it's no problem.
"Playing basketball at a high level and of course playing basketball in L.A., and being from New York and understanding lifestyles has probably prepared me for [the attention] and has helped me stay patient in those situations," Odom told The Los Angeles Times. "This is a high-profile city we live in and we won a championship, and those things have helped me prepare for what's to come in my relationship with my wife."
Odom, who in his life has dealt with the deaths of his mother, grandmother and infant son, seems to have a good perspective on his life in 2009.
"I've been through a lot worse than getting married," Odom told the newspaper. "Even though some of it was, like, whirlwind, things happen fast in my life. They've always happened fast ever since I was 12, 16, and having my grandmother and then not having my grandmother and my children.
"If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans," he said. "As a man, I just try to be prepared for everything that comes my way and I think I was able to do that this summer, just prepare myself."
That preparation has worked, as Phil Jackson has said he's liked what he's seen so far out of Odom.
Despite the long delay in signing with the Lakers this summer and his role still being a bench player, Odom couldn't help but express his deep love for L.A.
"I know where I wanted to be," he said. "Who wants to win a championship and then have to leave the team?"
Some people would, but Odom's certainly not one of them.
