First, I would like to thank God for the opportunity to tell the story of my life. It has been an incredible journey filled with amazing people, as these pages will show. Thank you to one of the most loyal, trustworthy women to ever come into my life, the mother of my children, Liza Morales. You have been more than patient, forgiving, and understanding when it came to my wild ways. I didn’t deserve your love, but you gave it to me nonetheless. My children Destiny Odom and Lamar Jr., whom I love unconditionally. They loved me despite my absence from their lives at times, and there’s no love that I can give like the love I get from them.
I want to thank my mother, Cathy Mercer. Not a day goes by without me thinking about you. Each day I realize how much you gave me in such a short time. I wish you could see the man I am today. Your granddaughter, Destiny, looks more like you every day. I know you’re in heaven holding Jayden’s hand. My grandmother, your mother, Mildred Mercer, kept my spirit intact when you went away, and she will forever be a piece of my soul.
Thank you to Aunt JaNean, who is the last connection I have to my mother and grandmother.
There have been so many people who have helped shape my basketball experience over the last three decades, including Gary Charles, Jerry DeGregorio, Sonny Vaccaro, Jeff Schwartz, Rob Johnson, Tom Konchalski, and Jim Harrick.
Much love for the hundreds of teammates I got to call my brothers. Kobe Bryant, from whom I learned everything about competing and giving yourself to the game. I tried my best to keep that Mamba Mentality whenever we stepped on the floor together. You are my brother for life.
Pau Gasol, Dwyane Wade, Rasual Butler, Speedy Claxton, Ira Miller, Darius Miles, Quentin Richardson, Elton Brand, Ron Artest, and Tavorris Bell are some of the best brothers I’ve ever had.
I was fortunate enough to have great teachers in Phil Jackson, Pat Riley, and Alvin Gentry. They not only taught me what it means to be a well-rounded player but also what it means to be a man. Thank you to Jeanie Buss for her kindness and compassion.
To Khloé Kardashian, the love of my life. I wish I could have been a better man. Thank you to the entire Kardashian family for embracing me and giving me an incredible kind of love. I will always be “Lammy.”
No man takes a journey by himself, and I’ve had some great people to accompany me along the way: James “Dollar” Gregory, Lara “Cake” Manoukian, Greg Nunn, Joseph Odom, Curt Smith, George “Boss” Revas, Ian Dominic, Alley Cat, and Big John.
Thank you all for being part of my journey.