The Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly "strongly" considering adding depth to their injury-depleted roster by signing free agent Stephen Jackson. With the murmurs of possibly signing Jackson, it's uncertain whether the Clippers are still interested in Lamar Odom.
Sources told ESPN that Jackson is a strong possibility for the Clippers after injuries to J.J. Redick, Matt Barnes and Reggie Bullock. Jackson, who played last season for the San Antonio Spurs until April, can help stretch defenses with his three point shooting.
Sam Amick of USA Today Sports also reports sources as saying the Clippers are "very close" to signing Jackson.
Jackson spent most of last season coming off the bench for San Antonio while averaging 19.5 minutes and 6.2 points per game. He's a 33.4 percent three point shooter and has a career-average of 15.3 points per game. The 35-year-old veteran has been working out on his own in Texas, according to ESPN.
The possible signing of Jackson puts Odom's status with the Clippers in question.
"It was not immediately known how the prospect of a signing this week, if it indeed comes to fruition, would impact the Clippers' well-chronicled interest in re-signing veteran forward Lamar Odom," ESPN's Marc Stein and Ramona Shelburne wrote on Monday. "(Clippers coach Doc) Rivers has spoken optimistically in recent weeks about Odom's chances of returning to the Clippers after a tumultuous offseason, but the mounting injuries have left L.A. with a more pressing need than Odom might be able to fill."
Rivers has before expressed his desire to coach Odom, the 2011 Sixth Man of the Year.
"I've always had interest in him. I've always liked him," Rivers said in November, via ESPN. "The teams he's played on and the coaches who have coached him have always liked him..."
Multiple news outlets, including TMZ and ESPN, reported in November that a deal between Odom and the Clippers was close, but the signing never came to fruition. Odom is believed to be working out on his own and getting back into basketball shape.
