Lakers’ Lamar Odom needs to improve play

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Lamar Odom’s play has been spotty at best this season for the Lakers.

With back-up point guard Jordan Farmar out with a torn meniscus in his left knee -- and facing possible surgery that could sideline him for a while -- Odom may be pressed to ball-handling duties.

Before Monday night’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Lakers Coach Phil Jackson was asked if Odom could play some point guard if needed.

Jackson took a shot at his versatile forward.

‘Lamar hasn’t been able to do much of anything recently -- unfortunately,’’ Jackson said.

Ouch!

But Jackson is right.

Odom is averaging a career-low 8.4 points per game.

Odom also is coming off the bench for the first time in his career.

But in his last five games, Odom hasn’t been very effective.

Odom did have a double-double during that five-game span. But he didn’t score in double figures in the other four games.

He had just three points Friday night against Miami and just four against Orlando Saturday night.

-- Broderick Turner