Lamar Odom: 5 Shocking Revelations About His Drug Addiction

Lamar Odom’s struggles with addiction have been well-documented, and the former NBA star continues to share his story with raw honesty. The two-time NBA champion and former Los Angeles Lakers player has been remarkably open about his drug leverage and the profound impact it had on his life. This openness extends to the upcoming Netflix documentary, “Untold: The Death and Life of Lamar Odom,” set to premiere on March 31, which revisits his near-fatal 2015 overdose.

Ahead of the documentary’s release, Odom appeared on the “Cousins” podcast with Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter, where he revealed several startling details about his addiction. These revelations paint a picture of a life deeply affected by trauma, familial struggles, and the allure of substance abuse. Here are five key insights from Odom’s recent discussion about his addiction.

The Loss of His Mother at a Young Age

Odom traced the beginning of his struggles back to the age of 14, shortly after the death of his mother. He described the difficulty of navigating life in New York City without her presence. “My mom died when I was 12 years old. So when your moms die, and you’re in New York City, it’s tough,” Odom said. “Good thing I was protected by my neighborhood…you’re gonna explore when you don’t have your mom anymore.”

A Family History of Addiction

Odom’s childhood was significantly impacted by his father, Joe Odom’s, long-term battle with heroin addiction. He frequently spoke about witnessing his father’s struggles and how they mirrored his own experiences with drugs. “My father was a heroin addict,” Odom revealed. “If you start with pot and it doesn’t acquire you high no more, you’re like, maybe ‘I’ll strive cocaine.’”

Lost Potential: “Cocaine Summers” and a Hall of Fame Career

Despite his considerable talent, Odom believes his addiction prevented him from reaching his full potential as a basketball player and achieving a place in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “I loved drugs. You’re talking to a real addict,” he stated. “Summertime I did drugs I ain’t gonna front… I had some great cocaine summers… I should be where you’re at in the hall of fame. Off of straight talent.”

Strategic Substance Use: Offseason Indulgence

Interestingly, Odom claimed he abstained from drug use during the NBA season, citing the league’s strict drug testing policies. He explained his approach as a way to “beat the system,” indulging during the offseason. “Nah… Summertime I did though,” Odom said. “I ain’t gonna front. You get drug tested like four times. If you get caught for sniffing cocaine, that suspension is gonna be crazy…That was my way of beating the system. Just partying hard during the summertime.”

Claims of Being Poisoned at the Nevada Brothel

Following his near-death experience at the Love Ranch brothel in Nevada, Odom suffered kidney failure, heart attacks, and multiple strokes. He was placed on life support before eventually recovering. Odom maintains that he was poisoned during that incident, leading to his medical crisis. He stated, “I remember as I was mad as f***,’ Odom said. “I didn’t have any cocaine. I just signed divorce papers with my wife [Khloe Kardashian].” After falling asleep, he recalled waking up days later in the hospital, remembering little of what transpired.