It didn't take long for Team USA to start blowing out Iran in the FIBA World Championship Wednesday, and it took even less time for Lakers forward Lamar Odom to find a seat on the bench for extended rest.
Odom played just 16 minutes during the USA's 88-51 victory over Iran in Istanbul, Turkey.
He finished with just two points on one-for-two shooting, three rebounds and two fouls.
"It was good to get the rest," Odom said in a phone interview. "It was good for all of our guys to play."
Odom and USA, which improved to 4-0 in Group B play, will face winless Tunisia on Thursday.
Odom had been wearing a headband in the previous games, but didn't wear one during Wednesday's game.
"I was in my warrior mode," Odom said. "It's so hot here, so that's why I've been wearing it too. I sweat so much. But today I just decided to play without it so I could let the world see my pretty face."
Odom paused for a second or two and laughed.
"I'm in Europe, so maybe I can get a modeling gig," Odom said, laughing again.
-- Broderick Turner L.A. Times
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This pleases me, the less LO plays, the greater the odds are of him being healthy and uninjured for the upcoming Lakers season. Come on U.S.A, kick some ass and get the starters out of the game. Hopefully that makeup wearing pg Rondo will avoid injury as well so the whiny Celtics fans and their diva of a coach don't have any more excuses when the Lakers beat the crap out of their starting 5 all season and in the Finals as well, that is if Boston makes it. We all know the Lakers will be there
