“That Was Before He Passed”: Lamar Odom Dissects Kobe Bryant’s Belief After Lakers’ IST Banner Divides NBA World

Would Kobe Bryant have supported the idea of hanging an In-Season Tournament banner? There have already been discussions about whether the Lakers’ celebration of the IST was called for. While fans and some people have dug up some of Kobe’s old comments to justify his opinion, Bryant’s former teammate recently revealed his opinion on “The Lade Show”. Lamar Odom, who shared a close off-court bond with Bryant, shared what how he felt the 5x champion would have reacted to the IST banner.

As the host asked him about Bryant’s old statement of not hanging the division banner, Odom said, “That was before he passed. It was a different time.” But when the host pressed him on if Kobe would want to hang the banner in the rafters, his former teammate had an answer prepared. “100% because it’s the first one…I think he’s proud. It’s the first one,” the former Sixth Man of the Year explained.

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers to win the IST. Following this, the team also hung a banner to celebrate the win. The tournament was aimed to attract more fans to regular-season basketball while ensuring players remained engaged.

Despite the positive response to the games, some people have a lingering concern regarding the Lakers’ decision to hang a banner. As mentioned by the host though, Bryant previously had a stern take on hanging non-championship banners.

Kobe Bryant’s divisive statement on division banners

As he stated, Odom believes that the late Lakers legend would have supported the idea of celebrating the IST win. It is understandable given the level of competition the tournament offered. Moreover, the legend is known for his desire to win. If the tournament had started, would he not want to win?

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Fans who are well aware of the 5x champion’s hunger to keep winning seem to believe that. Many including Charles Barkley and Kobe’s former teammate, Shaq, were not fond of the team’s champagne celebration and banner. Bryant was also dragged into the conversation after one of his old comments resurfaced.

As mentioned in the episode, many fans expressed concern on social media accounts. Many recalled the legend’s old statement that read, “It’s a brand thing. The Lakers stand for excellence and stand for winning. We don’t hang division banners.” 

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People seem to have interpreted his statement to assume that Bryant would have disapproved of the IST banner. too However, Lamar Odom has a different opinion. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments section below.