By GREGG PATTON, The Press-Enterprise

LOS ANGELES – For a while there, it looked like Lamar Odom’s unfortunate legacy as a Laker would be pretty simple.

He was a lament: “The best we can get for Shaquille O’Neal?!?”

For three and a half years — as the Lakers played to a mediocre level that frustrated fans and left star Kobe Bryant seeking a ticket out of town — he was a constant reminder that the golden championship era of 1999-2002 was gone.

He was the designated No. 2 option behind world-beater Bryant, a role which he never embraced, nor fit. Every rumored trade — always for some guy who would save the Lakers — included his name.

It was as if the Lakers would never be good again, until they could exchange Odom for someone, anyone.

Funny how it worked out. The Lakers are good again, and look who’s still here — and suddenly appreciated.

If the trade for Pao Gasol instantly shot the Lakers into championship contention, among the happy fallout has been Odom’s restored reputation. If a lot of people considered him an inadequate No. 2, he’s a big-time No. 3.

“I don’t know if I felt underappreciated,” said Odom on Saturday night, before the Lakers — masquerading as the visiting team against the Clippers at Staples Center — won for the eighth time since Gasol joined the team nine games ago. “I’ve always been comfortable in my own skin.”

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