What Happened to Lamar Joseph Odom?
Lamar Odom is an American former professional basketball player, best known for his successful NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers, including two championships. His life has been marked by significant personal struggles with substance abuse, culminating in a near-fatal overdose in 2015. As of March 2026, Odom is actively pursuing recovery, having recently completed a rehabilitation program following a DUI arrest, and is launching a new wellness-focused business.
Quick Answer
Lamar Odom, the former NBA star, recently completed a 30-day rehabilitation program in February 2026 following a DUI arrest in Las Vegas in January 2026. He pleaded not guilty to the DUI and speeding charges in March 2026, with a bench trial scheduled for July 2026. Odom is focused on maintaining sobriety and is launching a new AI-powered wellness platform called HealLO.co.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline16 events
Born in Queens, New York
Lamar Joseph Odom is born in South Jamaica, Queens, New York.
Drafted by Los Angeles Clippers
Odom is selected as the fourth overall pick in the NBA draft by the Los Angeles Clippers.
Named to NBA All-Rookie First Team
Odom earns a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team after a strong debut season.
Joins Los Angeles Lakers
Odom signs with the Los Angeles Lakers, beginning the most successful period of his NBA career.
Son Jayden Dies
Odom's infant son, Jayden, dies from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Marries Khloé Kardashian
Lamar Odom marries reality TV star Khloé Kardashian, leading to their own spin-off show.
Wins First NBA Championship
Odom wins his first NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Wins NBA Sixth Man of the Year
Odom is awarded the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award, recognizing his crucial role off the bench for the Lakers.
Near-Fatal Overdose
Odom is found unconscious at a Nevada brothel after a drug overdose, suffering severe medical complications.
Divorce from Khloé Kardashian Finalized
His divorce from Khloé Kardashian is finalized after a period of separation and his health crisis.
Keynote at Addiction Conference
Lamar Odom gives an emotional keynote speech at the Annual California Addiction Conference, opening up about his struggles.
Focus on Philanthropy and Business
Reports indicate Odom is focusing on philanthropic endeavors and exploring new business ventures, including a partnership with Cathy's Kids charity.
DUI Arrest in Las Vegas
Lamar Odom is arrested in Las Vegas for driving under the influence and speeding.
Enters Rehab for Marijuana Addiction
Following his DUI arrest, Odom voluntarily checks into a 30-day rehabilitation program at iRely Recovery in Los Angeles, concerned about escalating drug use.
Completes Rehab and Launches HealLO.co
Odom completes his 30-day rehab program and announces the launch of HealLO.co, an AI-powered platform connecting people to wellness centers.
Pleads Not Guilty to DUI Charges
Odom's attorney enters a not guilty plea on his behalf in a Las Vegas courtroom for the January DUI and speeding charges; a bench trial is set for July 7, 2026.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Lamar Joseph Odom rose to prominence as a versatile forward in the National Basketball Association, drafted fourth overall in 1999. His most successful period came with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he won two NBA championships in 2009 and 2010 and was named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2011. Beyond his athletic achievements, Odom gained significant media attention through his marriage to Khloé Kardashian and their reality television series, "Khloé & Lamar," which aired from 2011 to 2012.
However, Odom's career and personal life were increasingly overshadowed by his struggles with substance abuse. He had previous suspensions for violating the NBA's anti-drug policy during his time with the Clippers. The most critical turning point occurred in October 2015 when he was found unconscious at a Nevada brothel due to a drug overdose, suffering multiple strokes and heart attacks, which left him in a coma. This incident brought his battle with addiction into sharp public focus and led to a long and arduous recovery process. His divorce from Khloé Kardashian was finalized in 2016.
In the years following, Odom made efforts towards sobriety and even ventured into the rehabilitation business, though a partnership in a California-based rehab operation ended in late 2023 or early 2024 due to a conflict over his public promotion of marijuana while being associated with addiction treatment centers. He also engaged in philanthropic endeavors, partnering with Cathy's Kids charity and exploring youth basketball coaching.
The year 2026 has seen renewed challenges and commitments for Odom. In January 2026, he was arrested in Las Vegas for driving under the influence (DUI) and speeding, with police noting the smell of marijuana. This arrest prompted him to voluntarily check into a 30-day rehabilitation program at iRely Recovery in Los Angeles, expressing concern that marijuana use could lead to harder drug use. His attorney entered a not guilty plea for the DUI charges on March 17, 2026, and a bench trial is scheduled for July 7, 2026. Odom has reportedly completed his rehab program and is "feeling amazing," committed to a healthier future. He is also launching a new AI-powered platform, HealLO.co, aimed at connecting individuals with wellness and treatment centers nationwide.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Lamar Joseph Odom made different choices?