In what's become a season-long trend, the Dallas Mavericks came out flat without Lamar Odom in the line-up in an embarrassing 94-75 home loss to the LA Clippers.

The team's record is now 0-7 without the mercurial power forward in the line-up and it's not a coincidence.

While everyone has made great hay out of blaming Odom for the Mavericks troubles this season, which have far more to do with the decision to let Tyson Chandler walk in free agency, he's performed about as well as should have been expected too, given that he's playing completely out of position in Dallas.

Odom, at 6'10 230, gives the Mavericks much needed play-making and athleticism at the backup forward positions. Without him, Dallas options in backing up Dirk and Shawn Marion is ... Brian Cardinal.

With him, Dallas has one of the most dangerous second units in the NBA, as his presence on the floor greatly helps players like Brandan Wright and Rodrigue Beaubois.