Lakers trade Odom to Mavs, pass on Paul

The Los Angeles Lakers - who, according to several news outlets, have abandoned plans to acquire New Orleans Hornets superstar Chris Paul - have traded Lamar Odom to the Dallas Mavericks.

The move, sending their top reserve and a versatile big man to one of their top rivals for a trade exception, shocked players who showed up for practice Sunday.

"To be honest with you, I don't like it," Kobe Bryant said.

Odom didn't attend the Lakers' first two days of practice while the team attempted to include him with Pau Gasol in a three-team trade for Paul. Late Saturday it became clear that the Lakers had decided to pass on Paul and concentrate on acquiring Orlando center Dwight Howard.

"If I'm here, I'm looking forward to the season," said Lakers center Andrew Bynum, who knows he's rumored to be a big component in any proposed deal for Howard. "If they were able to pull a move like that off, it would be great for the organization, and I'd be in Orlando hooping."

The Lakers have no idea who will be in their lineup in two weeks when they host the Chicago Bulls in their Christmas season opener, and it's finally bothering Bryant and Derek Fisher.

"As a basketball player, it confuses you as to what your focus should be," said Fisher, who said he feels sorry for Odom.

The Chicago Bulls are working to sign veteran shooting guard Richard Hamilton once his buyout with the Detroit Pistons is finalized.

Hamilton's buyout thus far is only a verbal agreement and has yet to be signed, according to two sources familiar with the situation. Once the buyout becomes official, Hamilton would have to clear waivers and pass a physical.

Hamilton, a Coatesville High product who turns 34 in February, has played 843 regular-season games and 120 playoff games over 12 seasons. But one source close to Hamilton said he's a fitness fanatic who takes good care of his body. He also has played in just 101 games over the last two seasons.

"Rip's a helluva player," said Joakim Noah, who added he had no knowledge of front-office intentions.

Former Connecticut star Kemba Walker, the ninth pick in this year's NBA draft, has signed with the Charlotte Bobcats. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The 6-foot-1 Walker led the Huskies to the 2011 NCAA championship and was named the Final Four's most outstanding player. He was a consensus first-team all-American and first-team all-Big East selection. Walker is expected to begin as the Bobcats' backup point guard.

Last season, Walker averaged 23.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists for the Huskies and was one of only two players in the nation to average 20 points, five rebounds and four assists.

The New York Knicks have signed veteran guard Mike Bibby, who has averaged 15.2 points in 13 NBA seasons but struggled last season for the Miami Heat, managing only 3.6 points per game in 20 postseason starts. Bibby could replace Chauncey Billups, whom the Knicks waived so they could afford to sign Tyson Chandler.