Prior to 2008, Kobe’s legacy had a large asterisk to it. While he had three championships with Shaquille O’Neal, a lack of rings as the number one option hurt his status. However, from the very beginning of the 2008-09 season, everyone watching knew something was different. And different, it was. The Los Angeles Lakers took a trip to the Finals each season for the next three years. On his own, Kobe Bryant won an MVP, two titles and a couple of Finals MVPs to go with them.

While the roster overhaul, primarily the addition of Pau Gasol, was attributed as the major change, a key bench piece often gets overlooked.

Kobe Bryant revived this star’s career and life

While money and fame are usually the answers to problems, in the case of this Lakers champion, they were the problem itself. As his stature and worth grew, so did his drug addiction. The situation got progressively worse for him, and he was even on the verge of missing the championship victory parade.

One of the more infamous personalities in the league and one of the first unicorns, Lamar Odom was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2005.

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As his personal situation worsened, it culminated with the star in a long coma. While he was able to make a recovery, the road back to normalcy was tough.

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Eventually, his drug addiction gave way to another addiction – gambling. While his career earnings dwindled, his gambling debt kept rising. Eventually, it got to a point when asking for help became critical. And, who else would he turn to if not his former teammate, and the man who was the first at his hospital bed, Kobe Bryant?

As Lamar told the Bootleg Kev podcast, Bryant helped him out with a sum in the six figures. While on the court he would curse you out for injuries, off-the-court the Mamba was a true friend. As Odom set his life back on track, helping others has become his goal.

Recently, his philanthropy helped out TLC’s ‘Honey Boo Boo’, aka Alana Thompson, whose father was battling with addiction.

Odom keeps up the Mamba’s spirit

“Sugar Bear” Mike Thompson developed a terrible addiction and checked into one of Lamar’s rehab facilities. The former TLC star got hooked on the prescription drugs that were part of his diabetes treatment. In the meantime, Thompson and Odom developed a friendship after coming into contact via their manager.

Moreover, Mike is not in close contact with his daughter Boo Boo. Whether the strain is due to his addiction was not confirmed.

As a result, Sugar Bear reached out to the two-time champion and joined the Odom Recovery Group. After last year’s cancer scare, Thompson went through a remarkable recovery. Perhaps, he is hoping to achieve the same and restore his relationship with his daughter.

After Lamar himself went through a brutal journey of addiction and loss, no one can understand Mike’s plight better. But his desire to help others is truly a remarkable end to his battle with addiction. Perhaps, it is the inspiration that Kobe Bryant gave him. Perhaps, it is his own form of penance. Or maybe, it’s a bit of both.

Regardless, Lamar Odom becoming a valuable, generous part of society is a beautiful sight to see.

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