Odom showing the right stuff

Forget that third-option stuff.

Lamar Odom was the option for the Lakers in their 112-108 victory Friday over Dallas.

He made 12 of 14 shots, had a season-high 31 points and needed four stitches in the side of the head after taking an elbow from Dirk Nowitzki in the first quarter.

"Maybe I need to get hit in the head more," Odom said a day later.

Something was definitely different about his game. He aggressively attacked the basket and unveiled two right-handed layups, an almost nonexistent part of the lefty's repertoire.

"I've been trying to water it every day, trying to help that plant grow," Odom said. "I'm trying to go to it more and more."

The Lakers will take it, even if Odom's stats, which included 10 rebounds and five assists, were somewhat inflated because Nowitzki was a step slow defensively in his second game back from a sprained ankle.

Odom even channeled the spirit of Showtime on a layup after moving Nowitzki out of the way by faking a pass.

"These guys have been telling me to drive, drive, drive, so I guess they beat it into me," he said. "I've got to make it my business to take it to the hole. It's that time of year too, right?"

Odom said Coach Phil Jackson joked with him about his inconsistent outside shot, although Jackson said Saturday he wasn't trying to be funny.

Jackson's explanation: "Of all the options, his jump shot was the worst possible choice of options on the floor. I think everybody really understands that we're talking about high-percentage things."

Not that Odom should be offended. Jackson suggested there would be a shorter leash in general from here on out.

"At this time, you really have to get boldfaced with the guys," Jackson said.

"We have to really tighten everything up as we go through these last games and into the playoffs so that guys really know what the best opportunities are on the floor."

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The Sacramento Kings have officially been eliminated from playoff contention, but they are 24-13 at home and would gladly play the role of spoilers tonight against the Lakers at Arco Arena.

Not to mention that they beat the Lakers at Staples Center, 114-113, on March 9, and led by six in the fourth quarter before losing to the Lakers at Arco Arena, 117-105, on March 4.

"It's always wild up there," Odom said.

On the other hand, the Kings played without injured starters Ron Artest, Brad Miller and Beno Udrih on Saturday against Denver.