Lamar Odom is sticking with the NBA champs.

After a rocky free-agent courtship, Odom agreed on a multiyear contract yesterday to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers, keeping intact most of the roster that won the club's 15th NBA title this summer.

Lakers spokesman John Black confirmed an agreement, but wouldn't discuss specifics. Odom still hasn't signed the deal, but could do so as early as today.

The contract, which is expected to contain three guaranteed years and a fourth-year option, maintains the Lakers' core of Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Derek Fisher and Odom alongside new teammate Ron Artest.

The 6-foot-10 Odom thrived in a reserve role last season with Los Angeles.

Odom, a 10-year NBA veteran, averaged 12.3 points and 9.1 rebounds during the postseason.

Odom repeatedly said he preferred to stay with the Lakers, but apparently came close to leaving — either by choice or necessity. Los Angeles pulled a previous contract offer from the table when Odom was slow to respond to it, and Dwyane Wade heavily lobbied Odom to return to Miami, where they spent one season together.

Portland also apparently made a bid for Odom's versatile offensive game and passing skills.

ELSEWHERE

Mavericks: Dallas signed Drew Gooden and expects him to back up Dirk Nowitzki at power forward and play alongside him at center. The deal, agreed to late last week, was announced yesterday.

Gooden is joining his seventh team, having also played for Memphis, Orlando, Cleveland, Chicago, Sacramento and San Antonio. Over his career, he has averaged 12.0 points and 7.9 rebounds per game.

Trade: The Golden State Warriors have acquired guard-forward Devean George and cash from the Toronto Raptors for guard Marco Belinelli.

The trade was announced yesterday.

The 31-year-old George, a 10-year NBA veteran who has played the past three seasons with the Mavericks, averaged 3.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in 16.5 minutes last season.