Lamar Odom Recalls Kobe Bryant’s Obsession With Being Better Than Michael Jordan

Kobe Bryant's relentless mindset was on full display when he told himself he was better than Michael Jordan.

Lamar Odom Recalls Kobe Bryant’s Obsession With Being Better Than Michael Jordan

Lamar Odom and Kobe Bryant (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • Lamar Odom revealed Kobe Bryant often repeated to himself that he was better than Michael Jordan.
  • Bryant's relentless work ethic and competitiveness were influenced by his idol, Michael Jordan.
  • Tracy McGrady confirmed he heard Bryant express the same obsession with being the best at a young age.

Lamar Odom and Kobe Bryant spent seven seasons together with the Los Angeles Lakers. During their time together, they made it to three consecutive NBA Finals from 2008-2010, winning two championships in 2009 and 2010. While Bryant ended his career as one of the greatest to have ever played, Odom had his fair share of issues off the court when it came to drug and alcohol addiction.

Drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers as the number four pick in the 1999 NBA draft, Lamar Odom played for four NBA franchises throughout his career. During his 14-year NBA career, he achieved the most success with the Lakers and was named the Sixth Man of the Year in 2011.

Meanwhile, the late Kobe Bryant spent his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, delivering five championships with the esteemed franchise. To go along with the championships, he is an 18-time NBA All-Star, 12-time All-Defensive team, two-time scoring champion, one-time League MVP, and two-time Finals MVP, just to name a few.

His influence in the sport of basketball is profound. A lot of NBA players today have been influenced by Bryant for his “Mamba Mentality”, which is known for his relentless work ethic and competitiveness. The former Lakers star shaped his game around his idol, Michael Jordan. Bryant spent hours studying Jordan’s body language and playing style before coming into the league.

Speaking on Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter‘s Cousins podcast, Odom revealed he overheard Bryant speaking to himself, saying he’s better than Jordan.

Lemme tell you something about this dude. He’s on a streak. He had, like, nine game-winners, walk-offs. On his ninth one, we’re in Milwaukee. You know how your adrenaline could still be pumping after the game? So, Derek Fisher sitting right there. He [Kobe] got the last seat in the back, and he’s talking to himself. He’s murmuring to himself, ‘I’m better than Mike, I’m better than Mike.’ I said, ‘What, you bugging?’ But, if you know basketball, that’s where he was trying to go.

Bryant and Jordan went on to share a great relationship. Jordan would call Bryant his “little brother”, Bryant would call Jordan his “big brother,” and they would praise each other’s work ethic and accomplishments.

Tracy McGrady echoes Lamar Odom’s statements on Kobe Bryant

It is no secret that Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are two of the greatest players in NBA history. Both players have achieved numerous successes and accolades throughout their illustrious careers and were also known for their mentality.

After Odom spoke about Bryant’s obsession with being better than Jordan, Tracy McGrady disclosed that he has also heard Bryant say the same thing.

Tracy McGrady and Kobe Bryant
Tracy McGrady and Kobe Bryant (Image credits – Fadeaway World)

When I used to stay with him at his house, he was saying the exact same thing. I’m looking at him like, ‘Yo, you buggin.’ At 19 years old, he was saying the exact same thing.

McGrady’s words on Bryant just go on to show the five-time champion’s obsession with the game and to be the best. Many believe that he belongs on the same table as Jordan and LeBron James in the GOAT debate.

Tracy McGrady claims 2003 self was better than Kobe Bryant 

Drafted by the Toronto Raptors as the ninth pick in the 1997 NBA draft, McGrady went on to be one of the greatest scorers and shooting guards in NBA history. It was his move to the Orlando Magic in 2000 that truly launched him into superstardom.

The seven-time All-Star was asked what his favorite version of himself was in an interview with WNBA legend Candace Parker.

I don’t think anybody on the planet was better than ‘03 T Mac. Nobody on the planet in ‘03 I don’t think was better than T Mac. Imma stick to that.

While McGrady led the league in scoring in the 2002-03 season, Tim Duncan won the MVP award, with Kevin Garnett and Kobe Bryant followed him up. However, McGrady’s offensive peak was undeniable, rare and breathtaking.

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