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Odom leads Lakers over Jazz in preseason opener

Oct 11, 2006 - 5:23 AM FRESNO, California (Ticker) -- Even without the presence of Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom and the Los Angeles Lakers were on fire.

Odom scored 18 points and handed out six assists as the Lakers posted a 94-79 victory over the Utah Jazz in the preseason opener for both teams.

Bryant, who averaged a league-high 35.4 points per game last season, missed the contest due to offseason surgery on his right knee. But Odom picked up the slack, netting 6-of-9 shots, including three 3-pointers.

Smush Parker and Sasha Vujacic added 13 points apiece for the Lakers, who shot 51 percent (33-of-65) from the floor, including 8-of-15 from the arc. Acquired in a draft-day trade, Maurice Evans contributed 12 points and free-agent signee Vladimir Radmanovic had seven.

First-round pick Jordan Farmar collected three points and two steals in just five minutes for Los Angeles, which turned a three-point halftime edge into a 71-57 cushion after three quarters.

Carlos Boozer scored 18 points and grabbed 12 rebounds and Deron Williams added 16 for the Jazz, who controlled the boards, 52-38, including a 20-7 advantage on the offensive glass.

Derek Fisher, who was acquired from Golden State during the offseason, tallied five points, five assists and four steals for Utah. Second-round selection Dee Brown had an assist and a turnover in three minutes.

Los Angeles coach Phil Jackson was not in attendance due to hip surgery.