Lamar Odom -- No Charges in Paparazzi Street Showdown

Lamar Odom has dodged a bullet ... the NBA superstar will not be prosecuted for going berserk on a paparazzi in the middle of an L.A. street last month and breaking some of the guy's gear, TMZ has learned.

The cops had originally sent the case to the L.A. County D.A. for possible felony charges ... and the D.A. referred it to the L.A. City Attorney for possible misdemeanor vandalism charge.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Odom has agreed to pay for breaking the snapper's gear in the July 10 rampage. So we're told the City Attorney will hold an office hearing -- an alternative to a prosecution -- in which Lamar and the photog will have a chit chat with the hearing officer about rights and responsibilities ... and that's about it.

As we previously reported, Lamar blew a gasket that day after the photog (not a TMZ guy) blasted him with questions about rumors he was cheating on Khloe.

So in conclusion, Lamar went from possible felony ... to possible slap on the wrist ... to actual check (that's really just a drop in the bucket for a pro athlete/reality star).

Lamar wins.