Odom to Stay at Point Guard

The Clippers have lost four games in a row, but they may have found a point guard.

Without much fanfare, rookie Lamar Odom has settled in as the floor leader, and interim Coach Jim Todd plans to keep him there the rest of the season.

In his last five games, Odom has played almost exclusively at point guard and averaged 16 points, nine rebounds and nearly five assists.

“I believe his future in this league is going to be at the point guard position,” Todd said.

Odom’s desire to be a playmaker is something that has impressed Todd the most.

“He’s 20 years old and he’s been out there leading the team,” Todd said. “He’s been vocal and has done a great job of setting his teammates up.”

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Center Michael Olowokandi only shook his head when asked to compare himself with Toronto second-year forward Vince Carter, whose three-point basket at the buzzer defeated the Clippers on Wednesday.

“I don’t really look back because I can’t dwell on something I couldn’t control,” said Olowokandi, drafted No. 1 overall ahead of Carter in 1998. “Things happen for a reason, and maybe it was meant for Vince to be with Toronto. I just don’t know the reason why [the Clippers] have had to go through a season like this yet.

“It’s gotten so bad, I don’t even watch SportsCenter or read up on things like I used to, and I used to do that all the time.”

TONIGHT

vs. Charlotte, 7:30

Fox Sports Net 2

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Clippers 12-49, Hornets 33-28.

* Record vs. Hornets--0-1.

* Update--Last month, the Clippers lost by 28 points to the Hornets, who have won four in a row between the teams.

* Tickets--(213) 480-3232.