Lamar Odom: Untold Story of Near-Death & Khloe Kardashian
Lamar Odom, the former Los Angeles Lakers star and two-time NBA champion, is revisiting one of the most harrowing chapters of his life in a new Netflix docuseries, Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom. The episode, premiering March 31, delves into his near-fatal overdose in 2019, an event that unfolded publicly at a Nevada brothel. The title itself, as noted by Vulture, initially prompted a double-take – a reminder that Odom is, remarkably, still with us.
The trailer for the documentary offers a stark glimpse into the ordeal, beginning with a 9-1-1 call and Odom’s own recounting of the medical crisis: “I had 12 strokes and six heart attacks. That’s not no average shit.” The series promises to unpack the events leading up to that night, featuring interviews with Odom himself, his ex-wife Khloe Kardashian, and even the manager of the Love Ranch, the brothel where he was found unconscious. Kardashian’s contribution reportedly includes her perspective on feeling compelled to conceal Odom’s drug use in an attempt to protect him.
A Career Defined by Peaks and Personal Struggles
Odom’s story is one of athletic brilliance shadowed by personal turmoil. Drafted fourth overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in 1999, he quickly established himself as a versatile player, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. His early years with the Clippers, playing alongside future BIG3 star Corey Maggette and Quentin Richardson, hinted at the potential that would later blossom. A trade to the Miami Heat followed in 2003, but it was his arrival at the Los Angeles Lakers in 2004 that truly cemented his legacy.
As a Laker, Odom became a key component of championship teams in 2009 and 2010, playing alongside Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol. He reached a career high, earning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2011. His stats over a 14-year NBA career are impressive: 13.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, as detailed by Wikipedia. Beyond the NBA, Odom as well represented the United States on the international stage, winning a gold medal at the 2010 FIBA World Championship and a bronze medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Beyond the Court: A Public Unraveling
While Odom’s athletic achievements were widely celebrated, his personal life became increasingly public, particularly his marriage to Khloe Kardashian. Their relationship, documented on the reality television show Keeping Up with the Kardashians, captivated audiences. Still, it also unfolded against a backdrop of Odom’s struggles with addiction, which ultimately contributed to the events of 2019.
The incident at the Love Ranch wasn’t a sudden event, but rather the culmination of years of battling substance abuse. As Vulture reports, the documentary revisits this period, offering a raw and unflinching gaze at the factors that led to Odom’s near-death experience. The episode’s focus on Kardashian’s role in attempting to shield his struggles from the public eye adds another layer of complexity to the narrative.
A Return to the Game, and a New Chapter
Despite the severity of his health crisis, Odom has demonstrated a remarkable resilience. In 2019, he even entered the draft pool for BIG3, a 3-on-3 professional basketball league founded by Ice Cube. This move, reported by FanSided, signaled a desire to return to the game he loved, even as he navigated the long road to recovery. At the time, he was actively playing overseas with the Philippine team Mighty Sports.
The Untold docuseries isn’t simply a recounting of a tragic event; it’s a portrait of a life lived in the spotlight, marked by both extraordinary success and profound challenges. The series is part of a four-episode anthology, with other installments focusing on unique moments in sports history, including a 2024 chess match between Hans Niemann and Magnus Carlsen. Directed by Ryan Duffy, the Odom episode promises to be a compelling and emotionally resonant exploration of a complex figure.
What’s Next for the Untold Series?
Following the premiere of the Lamar Odom episode on March 31, the remaining installments of the Untold docuseries will roll out weekly on Netflix. The schedule is as follows:
- April 7: Untold: Jake Paul the Problem Child
- April 14: Untold: Hall of Shame
- April 21: Untold: Johnny Football
Netflix is betting on the success of this documentary format, offering a deep dive into compelling sports stories that extend beyond the game itself. The series’ focus on personal narratives and behind-the-scenes access is likely to appeal to a broad audience, both sports fans and those interested in human-interest stories.
You can find more information about the Untold series on the Netflix Tudum website. Further details about Lamar Odom’s career can be found on his Wikipedia page and through NBA stats at NBA.com.