Metta World Peace: Me and Kobe Bryant Tried to Save Lamar Odom

Metta World Peace was 11 years old when he met his then-future teammate, Lamar Odom, in Queensbridge, New York. The two played basketball for years together, and continued to do so as adults when they both were a part of the Los Angeles Lakers. More recently, the two hadn't kept as much contact as they used to, but Metta admitted he was "in tears" when he heard Lamar overdosed in a Las Vegas brothel. Though he wasn't able to visit him there, his brother, Daniel, flew out to Las Vegas to be by Lamar's side, but was turned away along with others. At first, Metta believed the Kardashians were the reason people weren't allowed to see Odom. "I was a little bitter towards the Kardashians without even knowing the situation," he confessed to us. "Because all I know is that my buddy, well, it was reports that my buddy wasn't going to make it."

It was news to Metta as well when the world learned Lamar is still married to Khloe Kardashian. However the case may be, everyone involved has Lamar on their minds, and the only thing they're concerned about currently is his health. "He's home [in L.A.]. You know he's not doing excellent, but he's home. He's alive," but "he's still not 100%."

Listen as Metta explains the relationship between him, Lamar and Kobe Bryant, and why "through thick, through thin, negative [and] positive," he will support his friend 100%.

[LargeJeffrey]

Say what you want about Ron Artest, but he's a real one.

[nameless-sama]

*Lakers win championship * metta: "first off I want to thank my hood"... from that day on he was legend

[IncognitoSprax]

"I was a little bit hurt. I was a lot hurt. Actually I hated everybody"

Well then, that shit escalated super quick.

[leojrnlmb]

"Still support Lamar. Through thick and thin, negative or positive I'm gonna support him 100%. Can't nobody talk bad about him, to me" LOYALTY

[dollaphat]

I know what he's talking about I am not a caller or social like that. but I see u we cool just how we left off. ❤Metta

[Bweemz]

Vlad: yo Ron oh I mean metta, can I get a interview
Metta: only if you plug my panda shit

[SDBROOKS]

Sounds like Artest is getting interviewed by Phil Jackson! lol

[PeterJustGames]

Didn't Ron and Kobe also know each other as teenagers? I remember a story where they played against each other when they were really young. Damn... all these guys go way back with each other. That's really cool.

[ArmandoKozomara]

Kobe is one of the best players in any sport.

[cesarcesar]

I might not call you but I still think about you😂

[perryi]

Lamar is his own man. You can't blame someone else for another's wrong decisions.

[NoPhame]

These interviews are cool - getting to see inside the NBA and the players and how they grew up and played together.. Keep doing it!

[Josh-golu]

harden is definitely catching an elbow now

[kisswriters]

This interview gives me hope. Only someone like Ron could've, low-key, checked Master P while still showing compassion for Lamar's plight.

[gabkoost]

"Kobe had nothing to do with Lamar being in a brothel".

How does Master P feels knowing that Metta has more common sense than himself.

[JustinBlazzzee]

artest, elton brand and lamar odom on the same high school team? thats beast

[belak]

Man I don't think people realize metta could ball back in his prime. Anyone remember when he was in Sacramento? He carried that team.

[rea]

I always love listening to Metta (Ron) speak, because its crazy how much changes some of these athletes have to go through mentally.. like one day youre just a statistic waiting to happen and in an environment where trouble is LOOKING for you. So one slip up can just derail youre entire life. And to see Metta go through all he went though and gain so much perspective though out the way, its inspiring.

[kingvitamindrgglos]

Artest has alot of heart... Alot of people didnt agree with his style of play... But that man gave it 100 every game! He the man in my book!

[jgyrwa]

Thats a true friend. When they dont allow people to talk negative about you in their presence.