NBA 2014 News: LA Clippers Still Interested In Lamar Odom, Doc Rivers Says

Free agent forward Lamar Odom is still on the radar of the Los Angeles Clippers, who are still continuously monitoring the progress of the troubled veteran.

Clippers coach Doc Rivers, who has been very vocal of his intentions to sign Odom, said that he is staying in touch with the 34-year-old forward, who is also reportedly interested in making a return to the Clippers this season.

"I'm going to keep talking to him," Rivers said Tuesday in an interview with the LA Times. "I don't know what our plans are yet. I like Lamar. I want him to be in the NBA. And if things go right, here."

Odom is back in Los Angeles after working out in Rhode Island last week.

According to sources, Odom will visit the Clippers' practice facility this week, which will be the former Sixth Man of the Year's second visit at the team's practice facility.

The Clippers could sign Odom to a one-year deal worth $883,000.

When asked if he is worried about the effects the troubled forward could have on his team's chemistry, Rivers said that he believes Odom is a good player and teammate, as proven by his previous coaches like Phil Jackson.

"They loved him in the locker room, and they loved him on their team," Rivers said. "And that tells me something about the guy. I don't know Lamar really, but that does say a lot about him."

While Rivers is very interested in acquiring the two-time NBA champion Odom, the veteran coach also said that he would be happy for Odom if he does well with another team, saying that Odom deserves another shot in the NBA.

"I just want him to do well at the end," Rivers said. "Obviously if he does well, we'd like for it to be for us. But let's say he doesn't come here, and he does well in the NBA, I'd be just as happy, honestly. I look at a guy, and I think he's a good guy, and he needs another shot."

Odom averaged 4.0 points and 5.9 rebounds in all 82 regular-season games with the Clippers last season.