The game of basketball has a storied history. Many great players have entered the league and revolutionized the sport in one way or another. One of the select few who quite literally changed the definition of hard work and grit is Kobe Bryant. His legacy is so formidable that a former teammate even got Kob’s face tattooed on his neck. On Mamba Day, the former Sixth Man of the Year paid homage to the late Lakers legend.

Kobe won five NBA Championships; two of them consecutively with the man in question. Bean even played a significant role in the player’s personal life.

An NBA veteran remembers Kobe Bryant

Lamar Odom is a two-time champion with the Los Angeles Lakers. He also won the Sixth Man of the Year recognition with LA, providing some much-needed support off the bench. He recently wished Kobe Bryant on his birthday on his social media handle.

Lamar holds Kobe in such high regard that he previously dreamed of the Mamba and even has Bryant’s face tattooed on his neck. Of course, he had to shout out Kobe Bean on his big day as well.

Odom tweeted, “Happy 45th birthday Kobe Bean!! You are missed around the whole world.“

WATCH THIS STORY: Vanessa Bryant and her journey of keeping Kobe and Gigi’s legacy alive. 

Odom also reposted an old clip from Kobe’s last game where he was honoring Bryant alongside Pau Gasol and Phil Jackson. It’s clear that the Hall of Famer means an awful lot to Lamar.

Bryant not only helped Lamar with basketball but also pulled him out of a massive financial rut a while back.

Kobe helped rid Odom of debt

Lamar Odom has an interesting life story. Whether it’s getting involved in a relationship with major television personality Khloe Kardashian or owing millions of dollars to someone. Odom got himself into trouble quite a few years back but Bryant helped him without thinking twice.

He revealed how the five-time NBA champion helped him get out of his dire financial situation.

Odom said, “I’m in a hole. I can’t get myself out of it. I don’t got the money to pay it. Called him [Kobe] after he cursed me out, he said, ‘so you will just have your people call my people.” 

He made it clear that Kobe got a bit angry and cussed him out but made sure to help him regardless. That’s Mamba Mentality. Rest in power Kob.

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