Kobe Bryant Shared Emotional Words About Lamar Odom After 2015 Overdose
In 2026, Lamar Odom remains a complex and widely discussed figure. Once a standout player for the Los Angeles Lakers, Odom’s life off the court often drew just as much attention, particularly his high-profile marriage to Khloé Kardashian. Most recently, he discussed his sobriety. Here’s what Odom said about getting sober and how memories of the late Kobe Bryant help him to this day. Additionally, here’s what Bryant said about Odom after Odom’s 2015 overdose.
Khloé Kardashian’s ex, Lamar Odom, recently revealed he’s sober — and Kobe Bryant’s memory helps
Lamar Odom is speaking out about his recent sobriety. Now, more than a decade removed from his near-fatal 2015 overdose, Odom has been candid about his efforts to rebuild his life. He revisited his story in the Netflix documentary Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom, which recounts his basketball career and his deep personal struggles that played out during and after his marriage to Khloé Kardashian, who famously stood by his side during his hospitalization.
Today, Odom’s narrative is one of resilience. The former NBA star told Page Six in March 2026 that he was “56 or 57” days sober.
“No alcohol, no pot, no marijuana,” he said, adding that his memories of Kobe Bryant help him stay accountable. “And I’m just [continuing] to grow mentally and spiritually. I do try to be my best self and practice the Mamba mentality, which has been passed down to me by my late brother [Bryant].”
In Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom, Odom discusses his overdose in 2015. He wasn’t aware that Bryant was by his side during his coma. “But to know that he was there … when I’m reflecting on it, I think that’s probably what pulled me through,” he told the publication. “The love that I was getting from everybody. It’s always good to have support, and of course, support from your brothers.”
Today, he says he’s “not the same person” he was during his drug use. “I do everything in my strength to protect my sobriety.”
“If I take a step back, then I’m … dying,” Odom added. “I feel like I want to live as long as Moses did.”
Kobe Bryant said his teammate’s overdose ‘put things into perspective’
Lamar Odom and Kobe Bryant played basketball together for seven seasons, taking on key roles in back-to-back NBA championships in 2009 and 2010. Bryant served as the team’s leader, and Odom served as a versatile contributor. Their relationship extended off the court as well. Bryant often referred to Odom as a “brother,” a sentiment that became especially clear during Odom’s 2015 overdose.
In 2015, Bryant spoke to the Los Angeles Times about Odom’s overdose. Bryant was one of the first people to rush to the hospital after hearing the news.
“He’s a brother, above everything else,” Bryant said at the time. “It’s important to see him get back on his feet. It’s amazing to see him doing so well. It truly is remarkable.”
“It puts things in perspective a little bit more,” Bryant continued regarding seeing his friend in such a state. “This is what we do. This is not who we are. Sometimes basketball can get in the way of life and in the way of living.”
The late Lakers legend previously commented on Lamar Odom getting traded to the Dallas Mavericks
After helping the Los Angeles Lakers win back-to-back championships, Lamar Odom was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in December 2011. The move marked a turning point in his career. The deal came shortly after the Lakers’ failed attempt to acquire Chris Paul, which would have sent Odom to New Orleans, leaving him feeling blindsided and undervalued by the organization he had helped anchor. Coming off his 2011 Sixth Man of the Year season, Odom arrived in Dallas with high expectations. However, the transition proved difficult.
Kobe Bryant said he didn’t like the deal.
“I don’t like it,” Bryant said in 2011, according to ESPN. “To be honest with you, I don’t like it.”
“You’re talking about the Sixth Man of the Year last year,” Bryant defended. “He played lights out. I don’t understand the criticism of reality shows and this, that, and the other. I don’t get it. I don’t understand that. He had his best season last season, clearly wasn’t a distraction, and he played his a** off. I don’t get where that comes from.”
