NBA champion Lamar Odom, 46, has completed a 30-day treatment program at iRely Recovery in Los Angeles following a recent DUI arrest.
Recent Arrest Details
Odom maintains that neither alcohol nor hard drugs played a role in the incident. However, officers noted a strong marijuana odor in his vehicle and he acknowledged smoking earlier that day. Authorities detained him on suspicion of DUI and driving over 100 mph.
His manager, Gina Rodriguez, indicates Odom aims to end his marijuana use to prevent a return to more dangerous substances.
Early Struggles with Addiction
In a recent podcast episode of Cousins with retired NBA stars and cousins Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady, Odom opened up about his addiction history.
McGrady asked where Odom’s decision-making derailed. Odom replied that it began with marijuana at age 14, soon after his mother passed away at 12.
“My father was a heroin addict,” Odom shared. “If you start with pot and it doesn’t get [you] high no more, you’re like ‘maybe I’ll try cocaine.'”
He described the challenges of losing his mother in New York City but credited his longstanding neighborhood for protection from deeper troubles.
“Good thing I was protected by my neighborhood. They lived in the same neighborhood since 1957 so I don’t think nobody would let me turn to drugs or shootin’ a gun but you’re gonna explore when you don’t have your mom anymore.”
Career Impact and Drug Use
A Queens high school standout, Odom believes addiction derailed his path to the Hall of Fame, especially after leaving the game.
“2015 is when it happened. I’ll keep it real with you, I loved drugs. You’re talking to a real addict. I sniffed cocaine. If I ain’t gotta play ball, I don’t have any responsibilities.”
Odom avoided cocaine during seasons but indulged heavily in summers.
“I had some great cocaine summers though. That was my way of beating the system. Just partying hard during the summer time.”
He secured two NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers before addiction intensified.
2015 Medical Crisis
In 2015, Odom suffered a severe episode at a Nevada brothel, leading to kidney failure, multiple heart attacks, and 12 strokes. Doctors placed him on life support, but he recovered.
Odom insists he was poisoned and was not using drugs that day, having just signed divorce papers with Khloe Kardashian.
“I remember because I was mad as f***. I didn’t have any cocaine. I just signed divorce papers with my wife.”
He recalls sitting by a bed before waking three days later.
Current Efforts
Odom now collaborates with the wellness app HealLO.co to support his recovery.
