Lamar Odom Speaks Publicly for the First Time in Tribute to Former Teammate Kobe Bryant

Lamar Odom spoke publicly for the first time on Wednesday night, appearing in a video tribute to his former teammate, Kobe Bryant.

“Bean what’s up, it’s your little brother L.O.,” Odom said in the clip, addressing his former teammate by his middle name ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers legend’s final NBA game. “Just want to tell you I love you. You got a great career. I’m proud to say that I was right there with you, Kobe Bean." 

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Lakers great Magic Johnson introduced the video, which also featured tributes from NBA stars around the league, including LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Dirk Nowitzki, and Dwyane Wade. Longtime Lakers fan Jack Nicholson closed out the video, telling Bryant, "You've been an inspiration to us all, and L.A. loves you."

Following the thrilling Lakers win, where Bryant scored an amazing 60 points in his grand finale, Odom hugged his former teammate on the court. 

WATCH: Kobe Bryant Through the Years: The Los Angeles Lakers Legend in His Own Words

On March 30, Odom attended his first NBA game since his hospitalization last year, sitting courtside to watch the Lakers take on the Miami Heat.

Sports reporters at the game noted that the former NBA star, who won two titles and a Sixth Man of the Year award while playing with Bryant and the Lakers, was “walking slow but looking strong” and “speaking well” at the game.

See more in the video below.

WATCH: Lamar Odom Attends First NBA Game Since Hospitalization, Receives Warm Welcome At Lakers-Heat