LOS ANGELES — As Netflix prepares to release “Untold: The Death and Life of Lamar Odom” on March 31, 2026, the former NBA champion remains a compelling figure whose life has blended basketball glory, reality television fame, devastating personal losses and a long battle with addiction.
At 46, Lamar Joseph Odom continues to navigate recovery while reflecting publicly on his highs and lows. Here are 10 key things to know about the versatile forward who once helped the Los Angeles Lakers win back-to-back championships.
1. Elite NBA Career and Championship Pedigree
Odom was selected fourth overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 1999 NBA Draft after a standout year at the University of Rhode Island. The 6-foot-10 forward known for his versatility played 14 seasons in the league, suiting up for the Clippers, Miami Heat, Lakers and Dallas Mavericks.
His prime came with the Lakers, where he won NBA titles in 2009 and 2010 alongside Kobe Bryant. In 2011, he earned NBA Sixth Man of the Year honors — the first Laker to win the award — averaging strong numbers off the bench while providing elite rebounding, passing and scoring. Odom also represented the United States internationally, winning Olympic bronze in 2004 and gold at the 2010 FIBA World Championship.
2. Tragic Family Losses Shaped His Early Life
Born November 6, 1979, in Queens, New York, Odom endured profound childhood trauma. His father struggled with heroin addiction, and his mother died of colon cancer when he was 12. He has spoken openly about how these events contributed to his later substance issues, with drugs becoming an early escape mechanism.
Odom also faced heartbreaking loss as an adult. He and former partner Liza Morales had three children together: daughter Destiny, son Lamar Jr. and youngest son Jayden, who died of sudden infant death syndrome at six months old in 2006. Odom has described the grief as a trigger that deepened his struggles with cocaine and other substances.
3. High-Profile Marriage to Khloé Kardashian
Odom met Khloé Kardashian in 2009 and married her after a whirlwind 21-day courtship. Their relationship played out on the reality show “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” and its spin-offs, bringing Odom into mainstream pop culture.
The marriage faced severe strain from Odom’s infidelity and addiction. Kardashian filed for divorce in 2013, paused proceedings after his 2015 overdose, and finalized the split in 2016. In March 2026, Odom told Page Six that a recent reunion filming for his Netflix documentary felt like he was “under attack,” describing the encounter as uncomfortable.
4. Near-Death Overdose in 2015
Odom’s most publicized crisis occurred in October 2015 at a Nevada brothel, where he was found unconscious after a reported multi-day binge involving cocaine and other substances. He suffered 12 strokes, six heart attacks and kidney failure, spending days in a coma.
Doctors gave him slim survival odds, yet he recovered after being placed on life support. Odom has since described “shaking hands with death” and shared theories about the incident in interviews and his upcoming documentary. The event became a major turning point, though sobriety proved elusive in the years that followed.
5. Ongoing Addiction Battles and Recent Rehab Stint
Addiction has shadowed much of Odom’s post-NBA life. He has admitted to heavy cocaine use that contributed to his career decline and personal turmoil, including a self-described sex addiction that he said intertwined with drug use.
In January 2026, Odom was arrested in Las Vegas for DUI after allegedly driving over 105 mph. He faced additional traffic violations and voluntarily entered a 30-day rehab program at iRely Recovery in Los Angeles to address marijuana use and prevent relapse into harder substances. He completed the program in late February and has described feeling “amazing” and nearly 60 days sober in recent statements.
6. Business Ventures and Sober Living Efforts
Odom has channeled some energy into recovery-related businesses. He has been involved with multiple sober living and treatment facilities, including efforts under the Odom Recovery Group or Odom Wellness Treatment. These initiatives reflect his desire to help others avoid the pitfalls he has faced.
He has also explored coaching opportunities and other post-playing career paths, seeking purpose beyond basketball and reality television.
7. Recent Legal and Personal Setbacks
The January 2026 DUI arrest marked another public stumble. Odom denied being under the influence in some reports while acknowledging the need for accountability. He appeared in court and used the incident as motivation to seek treatment.
In March 2026, he continued promoting his Netflix documentary while addressing awkward interactions with his ex-wife and reflecting on past regrets, including affairs that strained relationships.
8. Athletic Talent and Versatility
At his peak, Odom was one of the NBA’s most skilled “tweeners” — capable of playing power forward, small forward or even center. His court vision, passing ability and rebounding made him a valuable glue guy on championship teams.
High school accolades included Parade Player of the Year honors, and he earned Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year and Tournament MVP at Rhode Island. His left-handed shooting and size gave him a unique skill set that drew comparisons to versatile big men of his era.
9. Public Reflections and Documentary Spotlight
Odom has grown increasingly candid in recent years. The upcoming Netflix “Untold” documentary, premiering March 31, 2026, promises deeper insights into his overdose, addiction, Lakers tenure and Kardashian relationship. He has discussed first experiences with cocaine, dreams involving Kobe Bryant and lessons from near-death.
These appearances position him as both a cautionary tale and a story of resilience, with Odom emphasizing daily presence and self-improvement.
10. Current Outlook and Path Forward
As of late March 2026, Odom appears focused on sustained sobriety and personal growth. He has expressed pride in completing rehab and a desire to move forward positively. While challenges persist — including the recent DUI and family dynamics — he continues to engage in recovery work and public speaking.
Odom’s story resonates as one of talent squandered and redemption pursued. From Queens courts to NBA championships, reality TV fame to life-threatening overdose and repeated recovery attempts, his journey illustrates the complexities of addiction, grief and second chances.
With the Netflix documentary set to revisit his “death and life,” audiences will gain fresh perspective on a man who has repeatedly confronted his demons. Whether Odom can maintain long-term stability remains an open question, but his willingness to share vulnerabilities has made him a relatable figure far beyond the basketball world.
For fans and observers, Lamar Odom in 2026 represents both a reminder of basketball excellence and the human cost of unresolved trauma and substance issues. His latest steps toward accountability suggest cautious optimism as he turns another page in a remarkably eventful life.
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