Candyman Update

Lamar Odom has had a busy summer. His extended contract negotiations gave Laker fans all over the world ulcers, he finally signed the deal he was proposed to begin with, and now, for those who don't read TMZ (or do you watch TMZ? I'm not sure) Lamar is now engaged to a Kardashian. No, unfortunately for him it's not Kim...it's her grosser looking younger sister Khloe who, by the way, Candyman has known for less than a month. Lamar apparently had enough time to make 36 million dollars, put down his pack of Twizzlers, and propose to one of reality-TVs biggest stars (not bad). There's also some media concern that the Candyman's impromptu wedding and the arrival of the Ron Arrest cough Artest will distract the Lakers from their extremely difficult task at hand...repeating as a champion in professional sports. Phil Jackson is already on record saying he will skip a day of training camp to attend Candyman's celebrity studded LA wedding next week. Here's JA Adande's column for ESPN questioning the Lakers focus heading in to training camp, which starts this week.

The Lakers have dealt with various media circuses in the past few seasons, none more memorable (or agonizing for Laker fans) than the fall following Kobe's random trade demands. This is nothing compared to that, and a veteran team coming off of a championship run shouldn't be influenced by the pitfalls of distraction or celebrity weddings, no matter how many gorgeous Playboy models are in attendance (I'm talking to you Andrew Bynum) or how many crazy kinds of candy Lamar will be handing out as party favors (don't be surprised if the original Candyman loans him some Oompa Loompas to make delicious candy and sing clever tunes to guests).

Regardless, Laker fans have nothing to worry about. This team will still dominate the Western Conference (remember when the West was the NBA?) and meet either the Cavs, Magic, or Celtics in the Finals. I'll be making my official NBA predictions soon so stay tuned...