Kobe Bryant is blasting rumors that Lamar Odom was traded away from the Lakers because he got involved with the Kardashian reality show empire ... saying, "[Odom] had his best season last season ... clearly it wasn't a distraction."

Kobe spoke with reporters yesterday ... and ripped the organization for dealing Lamar to the Dallas Mavericks ... saying, "I don't like it ... to be honest with you, I don't like it."

Bryant was then asked if the Lakers had become fed up with Lamar's extracurricular camera whoring -- to which Kobe shot back, "You're talking about the Sixth Man of the Year last year ... he played lights out. I don't understand the criticism of reality shows and this, that and the other."