The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony that took place a few days ago saw four former NBA players gracing the big occasion and being glorified for their decorated careers. The fantastic four devoted years to professional basketball and excelled at an exceptional level. Joining their ranks was former Los Angeles Lakers center and Kobe Bryant‘s “brother” Pau Gasol.
A former teammate once aided by Bryant was quick to honor the legend’s best friend upon receiving the prestigious distinction.
Lamar Odam hails Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol
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Kobe Highlights & Motivation, a Twitter handle dedicated to the late legend, recently uploaded a photo. It features Kobe and Pau Gasol standing on the edge of a railing, enjoying a conversation. In the background, their respective 24 and 16 jerseys were highlighted. The Twitter handle captioned the picture as “Hall Of Fame”, commemorating the Spaniard’s latest achievement.
The picture caught the attention of former Lakers Power Forward Lamar Odom. He retweeted it so that the same could be viewed by his 3.4 Million followers.
That’s a dope picture man. Imagine that conversation! https://t.co/dSYXJagTON
— LAMAR ODOM (@LamarOdom) August 14, 2023
Finding the moment quite mesmerizing, Odom captioned his retweet, “That’s a dope picture man. Imagine that conversation!”
Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol shared a relationship that continues to be one of the best ever between two prominent NBA personalities. Odom probably wouldn’t be the only person thinking about the Black Mamba as Gasol gets inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Bryant once helped Odom get out of a deep hole
It would be natural for Lamar Odom to remember Kobe Bryant on this momentous occasion, given how the late legend stood by him when he was in the midst of one of the most difficult period of his life.
Back in the month of February this year, Lamar Odam sat down for an interview with ‘The Bootleg Kev’ podcast. He opened up about the struggles he faced post retirement.
Odam touched base on the gambling issues that he developed during the same period, causing him to take a loss on the already low amount of money he was making. Describing Kobe Bryant as an “extra frugal motherf***ker,” Odam thought that the former player was his only ray of hope in getting out of this hole.
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“Called him,” said Odom during the interview. “After he cursed me out, ‘what the f**k you doing, Lo?’ He said, ‘So you’ll just have your people call my people.’ “
When the interviewer asked if the 2x NBA champion’s debt was north of six figures, he replied, “Yeah.”
In that moment of compassion, Bryant didn’t ask much questions. He just scolded his teammate for what he did and didn’t hesitate when it came to forking a significant amount.
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Watch This Story: “He Passed That Sunday”: Shaquille O’Neal’s 66YO Buddy Reminisces the “Surreal” Moment When the World Lost NBA Legend Kobe Bryant
Through his kindness and compassion, Black Mamba touched and affected many lives around him. Even after three years since he demise, he is remembered by his friends and teammates who had the honor of knowing him closely.