Lamar Odom Credits Kobe Bryant's 'Mamba Mentality' for His Sobriety

The former NBA player opens up about his unbreakable bond with his late friend and teammate.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 12:58am

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Lamar Odom is revealing how the late Kobe Bryant's support during his 2015 overdose and the 'Mamba Mentality' he instilled in Odom continue to fuel his sobriety. Odom, who is currently '56 or 57 days' sober, credits Bryant's loyalty and the love he received from his 'brothers' for pulling him through his darkest days. The depth of their brotherhood is a major focus in the new Netflix documentary 'Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom', which premieres this Tuesday.

Why it matters

Odom's story highlights the powerful impact that strong personal relationships and a positive mindset can have on an individual's journey to recovery. His openness about his struggles with addiction and his unwavering commitment to maintaining his sobriety, even in the face of setbacks, serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges.

The details

In the documentary, Odom reflects on his past battles with cocaine and crack, insisting that he is fighting to remain a changed man. 'I'm not the same person. I do everything in my strength to protect my sobriety,' he said. While he admitted it can be easy to 'backtrack' and reach out to old contacts, he views any slip as a matter of life and death, saying 'If I take a step back, then I'm...dying. I feel like I want to live as long as Moses did.' Despite a recent DUI setback in Las Vegas, Odom is channeling the 'Mamba Mentality' into his cognitive recovery by reading and 'sharpening up' his mind.

  • Odom is currently '56 or 57 days' sober.
  • Odom suffered a near-fatal overdose in 2015.
  • Kobe Bryant passed away in 2020.

The players

Lamar Odom

A former NBA player who is opening up about his struggles with addiction and his unbreakable bond with the late Kobe Bryant, which has been instrumental in his journey to sobriety.

Kobe Bryant

Odom's former NBA teammate and close friend, who rushed to Odom's bedside when he suffered a near-fatal overdose in 2015. Bryant's support and the 'Mamba Mentality' he instilled in Odom continue to fuel the latter's sobriety.

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What they’re saying

“No alcohol, no pot, no marijuana. And I'm just [continuing] to grow mentally and spiritually. I do try to be my best self and practice the Mamba mentality, which has been passed down to me by my late brother [Kobe Bryant].”

— Lamar Odom, Former NBA Player

“But to know that he was there...when I'm reflecting on it, I think that's probably what pulled me through. The love that I was getting from everybody. It's always good to have support, and of course support from your brothers.”

— Lamar Odom, Former NBA Player

What’s next

The new Netflix documentary 'Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom' premieres this Tuesday, providing a deeper look into Odom's journey and the impact of his friendship with Kobe Bryant.

The takeaway

Odom's story serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of personal relationships and a positive mindset in the face of addiction and adversity. His unwavering commitment to his sobriety, even in the wake of setbacks, is an inspiration to others struggling with similar challenges.