Former Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom is opening up about the role Kobe Bryant played during one of the most difficult stretches of his life.
In a recent interview with Lakers On SI’s Ryan Ward ahead of his upcoming Netflix documentary, Untold: The Life and Death of Lamar Odom, the two-time NBA champion revisited the aftermath of his near-fatal 2015 overdose and the support he received from those closest to him — including Bryant.
Odom said Bryant was among those who came to see him while he was hospitalized, even as he remained unconscious for much of the ordeal.
“They said that he was there, but I was asleep,” Odom said. “When I woke up, I was a damn near mummy. I couldn’t walk or talk.”
The former Sixth Man of the Year described the physical toll of the incident in stark terms, recalling that he was unable to care for himself and required constant medical attention.
“You learn a lot about yourself,” Odom said. “What you can endure mentally, physically and emotionally.”
Kobe Bryant’s Presence Still Resonates
Although Odom does not remember Bryant’s visit firsthand, he said the gesture reflects the kind of person Bryant was away from the court.
Their relationship extended beyond teammates, shaped by years together in Los Angeles during one of the franchise’s most successful eras.
Odom spent seven seasons with the Lakers from 2004 to 2011, helping the team win back-to-back NBA championships in 2009 and 2010 alongside Bryant. Known for his versatility and unselfish style, Odom played a key role in those title runs, often serving as a connective piece in lineups built around Bryant.
Bryant’s influence, Odom said, extended well beyond basketball.
“Win,” Odom said when asked what Bryant taught him. “Not just on the court, but off the court.”
Remembering Kobe Bryant’s Lasting Impact
Odom also reflected on Bryant’s death in 2020, describing the loss as something that reverberated far beyond the basketball world.
“When he passed away, I thought the world — whichever way it’s spinning now — I thought it started spinning the opposite way,” Odom said. “His loss was so impactful.”
Odom said he was in Atlanta when he first heard the news, initially believing it might not be real.
“Everybody was in shock,” he said. “Like a media hoax, like a sick joke.”
The loss, he added, felt immediate and overwhelming.
“When I came back to L.A. for his funeral, the air was thin,” Odom said. “It felt like a gut punch.”
Kobe’s Legacy That Still Shapes the Game
GettyLamar Odom and Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers stand on the court during the game against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the 2010 NBA Finals on June 10, 2010 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
Bryant’s legacy continues to resonate throughout the NBA, particularly among younger players who have embraced his “Mamba Mentality” approach to preparation and competition.
Odom pointed to Bryant’s post-playing career achievements — including his Academy Award for Dear Basketball — as further evidence of his impact.
“He won an Oscar, which has never been done by an athlete,” Odom said.
For Odom, Bryant’s influence remains both personal and enduring, tied to lessons that extend beyond the game itself.
“You put your loved ones first, and you put your craft first,” Odom said. “Watch how you come out a winner.”
Lamar Odom’s Story Returns to Spotlight
Odom’s upcoming documentary revisits his career, personal struggles and recovery, bringing renewed attention to the relationships that shaped his journey — including his time alongside Bryant in Los Angeles.
While much of the focus has been on Odom’s near-death experience, his reflections on Bryant offer a reminder of the bonds formed during the Lakers’ championship years.
More than a decade after their final season together, Odom said Bryant’s presence — both as a teammate and as a person — continues to influence how he views life today.
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