Lamar Odom shared a wild experience he had on the Lakers bus with Celtics fans.
The Los Angeles Lakers had a fair amount of success during the Kobe Bryant era, winning championships in 2009 and 2010. However, for that to happen, the team also had to experience some failure, as they lost in the 2008 Finals.
During Game 6 of the 2008 Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers suffered a brutal loss to the Boston Celtics, getting defeated 131-92. Recently, Lamar Odom revealed that crazy Celtics fans surrounded the Lakers’ bus after the loss and started shaking it. This is certainly a wild situation to be part of, if not a little frightening.
“The first series is why I hate the Celtics,” Odom said. “‘Cause, they beat us by like 35 in Game 6. When you go to the Finals, you got your family on the bus – everybody on the bus and all that. They beat us by 35, these fans surrounded our bus and started shaking it.” (38:49)
There’s no doubt that losing in that fashion, and then having to deal with a wild group of fans must have been a lot to deal with in one day. Luckily, everyone got out unscathed, as things could have gotten much worse if the bus was actually flipped over from the shaking.
During his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, Lamar Odom averaged 13.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 49.1% from the field. He won the 2011 Sixth Man of the Year award with the squad and is one of the best role players to have ever played for the franchise.
Lamar Odom Opened Up On Kobe Bryant’s Leadership
Lamar Odom was one of Kobe Bryant’s best teammates ever, and there’s no doubt that he appreciated Bryant’s leadership ability. Odom once revealed what it’s like to play with Bryant, noting that all the shooting guard wanted was to “chase greatness”.
“He was so easy to learn from and follow because all he wanted to do was chase greatness,” said Odom “If you wanna be great, just look at this guy. He’s close to it, he’s not there yet, and he’s still chasing it. For all the young guys, it was easy to look up to.”
There is no doubt that Kobe Bryant was an amazing player, and he always led by example. Kobe Bryant clearly wanted to be the best of the best, and that sort of drive is what helped him win five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kobe Bryant Paid Off Lamar Odom’s Gambling Debt
Kobe Bryant is viewed by many as not only an amazing player but also a great person. In fact, Lamar Odom once revealed that Kobe Bryant paid off his $100,000 gambling debt.
“I’m out of the NBA. I f*cking picked up a gambling addiction. Really bad. I’m in a hole, I can’t get myself out of it. I don’t got the money to pay it. Everybody knows Kobe was like an extra frugal motherf*cker. Called him. After he cursed me out, what the f*ck you doing Lo? He said have your people call my people… Really deep. North of six figures. I ain’t got nobody to call but Kobe Bryant”.
This is a clear indication that Kobe Bryant and Lamar Odom’s bond extended beyond the basketball court. Bryant was willing to help Odom in a time of need, and Odom clearly appreciated the gesture.
