Despite a troubled history, Lamar Odom remains one of the most beloved Los Angeles Lakers ever, and he recently came clean about his demons, regrets and new-found sobriety.
In an interview with US Weekly’s Ian Drew, the former Laker and two-time NBA champion called himself a “walking miracle” referring to his near-death experience where he was found unconscious in a Nevada brothel with cocaine in his system. Since that life-threatening incident almost a year and a half ago, Odom has continued to struggle with his sobriety.
However, the 37-year-old recently completed a program at San Diego’s Casa Palmera rehab center and says that he is now sober. He also credits his 18-year-old daughter, destiny, for pushing him to get clean. ”My daughter gave me the ultimatum to go. She said, ‘pops, you get help or I won’t talk to you.’”
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Odom also owned up to multiple affairs on ex-wife Khloe Kardashian saying that drugs were a big part of his infidelity. He spoke about regretting his extra-marital affairs and now just wishes for Khloe’s happiness. He added that the two do not have any contact today. Of course, when he was found unconscious, Kardashian delayed a divorce from Odom to be by his side and help him regain full strength. Ultimately, she refiled when he was spotted drinking at a bar after almost dying from using drugs and alcohol.
In the interview when Odom was specifically asked about his sobriety this was his response:
"Of course. Living sober, meaning no drugs, is a great feeling. Being in the moment is important — how you react, respond, create. If I would have done coke last night, you would have gotten some d–khead here trying to get out of here fast. But you’re getting Lamar now."
Although there may be people out there who are unsympathetic to addicts thinking that their troubles are their own doing, addiction remains a disease and when someone has the strength to get sober it’s commendable. For all of Odom’s family and friends, hearing about his health is probably the best news they’ve gotten in awhile. It certainly is the best Lakers news we’ve heard in some time.
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Odom played for the Lakers from 2004-2011, where he was a part of two championship teams in 2009 and 2010 and won the sixth man of the year award in 2011. Odom was even in the news early in the season for being interested in helping former teammate Luke Walton and his coaching staff. Whether or not Odom joins Walton’s staff in the future largely depends on Odom’s health.
It also depends on if the responsibility would be good for him or if being in the spotlight again would be detrimental to his health. As for now, it’s a relief to see the former star, and yes, still a beloved Laker, living sober and on the right path. Let’s hope he can stay clean and enjoy life that way.