Clippers Offer Support to Odom

On the day after, the Clippers remained deeply disappointed in Lamar Odom, but also united in support of him.

Coach Alvin Gentry and General Manager Elgin Baylor on Tuesday each spoke at length to Odom, who was suspended Monday for a minimum of five games for violating the terms of the NBA’s antidrug program. It was Odom’s second suspension in eight months.

Gentry said he granted Odom all the time he needed away from the team, backing away from Monday’s statement that he would fine the small forward if he wasn’t at practice this week. Under the terms of his suspension, Odom can participate in practices but is banned from attending games.

“I love Lamar Odom and I’m going to stand by him 100%,” Gentry said. “We’re all going to stick by him.”

Baylor hinted that Odom might need some time away from the team to resolve personal issues. Baylor did not elaborate on what those issues might be.

It’s possible the league could increase Odom’s suspension, but Baylor was uncertain if that would be the case. At the earliest, Odom won’t be eligible to play until the Clippers’ Nov. 16 game against the Toronto Raptors at Staples Center.

“Let’s wait and see what happens,” he said. “Let’s give the kid a chance. We’ll see how he responds.... Everybody here supports Lamar. You have to look at it like a family. He’s a member of our family. In a time of crisis, you want to be with your family. We’ll do whatever we can do to help Lamar.”

Baylor said he was with Odom at the offices of Tony Daly, Clipper team physician, when Odom got the call from the league informing him that he was to be suspended. Odom was to have X-rays taken of his bruised left foot but left immediately.

Odom was injured Saturday against the Golden State Warriors and probably would not have played Monday against the Atlanta Hawks. Without Odom, the Clippers won, 109-86, their first victory in four games this season.

“I’m not angry with Lamar,” Baylor said. “I’m disappointed. Anger isn’t going to solve anything. I also think Lamar is very disappointed in Lamar.”

Since much of the NBA’s handling of drug suspensions and aftercare is confidential--teams risk a fine of up to $1 million for leaking information--little is known about the next steps for Odom.

Sources told The Times after Odom’s first suspension in March that he tested positive for marijuana and failed to comply with the league’s aftercare program. Players testing positive for other drugs, including steroids, can receive harsher penalties.

“He’s going to attack these issues,” Baylor said of Odom, who turned 22 on Tuesday. “He’s really serious about doing something about it. He’s not a drug addict. He’s got some personal problems. He needs some help.”

Baylor said the organization would help in any way it can.

“We’re leaning toward letting him stay away from the team, to reflect on some things,” he said. “It will give him a chance to talk to some people he trusts.”

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

TONIGHT

vs. Memphis

7:30, Fox Sports Net

Site--Staples Center.

Radio--KXTA (1150).

Records--Clippers 1-3, Grizzlies 0-4.

Record vs. Grizzlies (2000-01)--2-2.

Update--The Clippers might be without point guard Jeff McInnis, who suffered a bruise on his right knee after a collision with an Atlanta player in the third quarter Monday. McInnis is hopeful of playing, but will know more after getting some treatment on his knee this morning. Eric Piatkowski has a groin strain and Quentin Richardson has a bruised thigh, but are expected to play tonight. Memphis lost at Phoenix, 113-101, on Tuesday.

Tickets--(800) 462-2849.