LAS VEGAS — Thanks for the memories, Lamar.
Lamar Odom’s comeback never materialized, and the Knicks waived the former Laker on Friday. The Post reported Friday afternoon Odom hadn’t been at the Tarrytown, N.Y., training facility working out as planned, nor was he training with the summer-league team as the Knicks had hoped, putting his future in doubt.
With Odom swiftly removed, the Knicks have re-signed center Cole Aldrich to a new one-year contract.
In a statement, Phil Jackson said of Odom, a former Laker: “Unfortunately, Lamar was unable to uphold the standards to return as an NBA player. We found it necessary to free up the roster spot.’’
Odom missed last season after he was arrested on DUI charges and amid rumors he was dealing with substance-abuse issues. Odom, whom the Knicks signed on the last day of the regular season with a second non-guaranteed year, has been in Los Angeles mostly. The Knicks signed him on the season’s last day, so they possibly could have used him as a cap-filling trade piece if it didn’t work out.
Aldrich, who had a very strong finish last season off the bench, is on the summer-league team, surprisingly, and dominated on the boards, scoring nine points with 14 rebounds and three blocked shots in the Knicks’ 76-64 debut at Cox Pavilion on Friday.
Aldrich played with new Knicks coach Derek Fisher in Oklahoma City two years ago.
“Nothing’s changed since those practice days in Oklahoma City,’’ Aldrich told The Post. “[Fisher is] confident, comfortable and knows what he’s doing.’’
An hour before the announcement, Aldrich said: “I feel good about coming back. I came out here to use the time to learn the triangle. I would love to sign and my agent is talking to management.’’
Fisher didn’t leave his seat much, if at all. He rarely yelled. Then again, he didn’t have to as the Knicks’ summer-league team cruised past Dallas behind 25 points from second-year man Tim Hardaway Jr. and a sweet debut for Cleanthony Early.
Early, selected 34th in the draft, had a monster dunk on veteran Ivan Johnson and finished with 13 points, hitting 3-of-4 3-pointers. Their other second-rounder, Thanasis Antetokounmpo committed seven fouls and two turnovers in 14:28, but showed his tenacity. He is likely to either be stashed in Europe or play the season in the D-League without the Knicks having to give up a roster spot.
“It was a great feeling,’’ Fisher said. “I definitely had some emotions coming in this morning, really thinking about what this meant. The first time I had a chance to coach the team in a game situation. The players made me look much better than I am right now.’’