Lamar Odom is a former professional basketball player best known for winning two NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, his marriage to Khloé Kardashian, and his recovery from a near-fatal medical crisis in 2015.
He is alive in 2026. Renewed interest in the former NBA star has been driven by the Netflix documentary Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom, recent interviews about his health and relationships, and ongoing legal proceedings connected to a January 2026 arrest.
Although Odom’s personal struggles have often dominated entertainment coverage, his basketball achievements remain an essential part of his story. He was a versatile 6-foot-10 forward who could rebound, handle the ball, create scoring opportunities, and play several roles within a championship lineup.
Lamar Odom Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
| Full name | Lamar Joseph Odom |
| Date of birth | November 6, 1979 |
| Age in 2026 | 46 |
| Birthplace | South Jamaica, Queens, New York City |
| Height | 6 feet 10 inches or 2.08 meters |
| Weight during NBA career | 230 pounds or 104 kilograms |
| Position | Power forward and small forward |
| College | University of Rhode Island |
| NBA Draft | Fourth overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft |
| Main NBA teams | Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks |
| NBA championships | 2009 and 2010 |
| Major individual award | 2011 NBA Sixth Man of the Year |
| Children | Destiny, Lamar Jr. and the late Jayden Odom |
| Former wife | Khloé Kardashian |
| Current status | Alive |
Odom’s official NBA profile lists career averages of 13.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. He played 14 NBA seasons and was recognized for combining the size of a frontcourt player with the passing and ball-handling ability normally associated with a guard.
Early Life, Family Background, and College Basketball
Childhood in Queens
Lamar Joseph Odom was born on November 6, 1979, in South Jamaica, Queens. His childhood included significant family difficulties. His father, Joe Odom, struggled with heroin addiction, while his mother, Cathy Mercer, died from colon cancer when Lamar was 12.
After his mother’s death, Odom was largely raised by his maternal grandmother, Mildred Mercer. Basketball became an important source of direction and stability during his childhood. Odom later explained that he understood from an early age that basketball was the talent he wanted to pursue.
High School and Rhode Island
Odom attended several high schools, including Christ the King Regional High School in Queens, Redemption Christian Academy in Troy, New York, and St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Connecticut. He became one of the country’s most highly regarded young basketball players and received Parade Player of the Year recognition in 1997.
He eventually played one college season at the University of Rhode Island. His time there ended with one of the most memorable shots in the school’s basketball history: a long, game-winning basket against Temple in the 1999 Atlantic 10 championship game. Rhode Island won 62–59 and captured its first Atlantic 10 tournament title.
Odom then entered the 1999 NBA Draft, where the Los Angeles Clippers selected him with the fourth overall pick.
Lamar Odom’s NBA Career by Team
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers drafted Lamar Odom in 1999. He made an immediate impact, recording 30 points and 12 rebounds in his NBA debut and averaging 16.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists during his rookie season.
Those numbers demonstrated what made Odom unusual. At 6 feet 10 inches, he could collect a defensive rebound and lead the fast break himself. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2000.
His first Clippers period also included inconsistency and disciplinary problems. Injuries limited his availability in some seasons, and he received suspensions for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy. Still, his passing, rebounding, and ability to play several positions made him one of the league’s most intriguing young forwards.
Miami Heat
Odom signed with the Miami Heat before the 2003–04 season. Playing beside young guard Dwyane Wade, he averaged 17.1 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.
Miami reached the playoffs, and Odom recorded one of his best all-around performances that season when he produced 30 points, 19 rebounds, and 11 assists against the Sacramento Kings.
His stay in Miami lasted only one season. In July 2004, the Heat traded Odom, Caron Butler, Brian Grant, and a draft pick to the Lakers in the deal that sent Shaquille O’Neal to Miami.
Championship Years with the Los Angeles Lakers
Odom spent seven seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, from 2004 to 2011. This period established his basketball legacy.
Playing alongside Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, and other important contributors, Odom helped the Lakers reach three consecutive NBA Finals. Los Angeles won championships in 2009 and 2010, with Odom serving as a starter, reserve, rebounder, secondary playmaker, and trusted member of the closing lineup.
The Lakers’ official alumni profile credits Odom with averages of 13.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.7 assists during his seven seasons with the organization.
Odom was particularly valuable because coach Phil Jackson could use him in different situations. He could replace a traditional center, play beside Gasol, initiate offense after a rebound, or defend forwards with different playing styles.
His best individual season came in 2010–11. Odom played all 82 regular-season games and averaged 14.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists while shooting approximately 53% from the field. He received the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 2011.
Dallas Mavericks and Return to the Clippers
Odom’s relationship with the Lakers changed after the proposed 2011 trade for Chris Paul. Although the league blocked the deal, Odom reportedly felt hurt after learning that Los Angeles was willing to trade him.
The Lakers subsequently sent him to the Dallas Mavericks. His single season in Dallas was difficult, and his production fell to 6.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.
He returned to the Clippers for the 2012–13 season, which became his final NBA campaign. Odom later signed with Spanish club Laboral Kutxa Baskonia in 2014 but appeared in only two games.
He also explored later basketball opportunities with Mighty Sports in the Philippines and the BIG3, although these appearances did not represent a full return to top-level professional competition.
Why Lamar Odom’s Playing Style Was So Valuable
Lamar Odom’s statistics tell only part of his basketball story. His greatest strength was versatility.
Most players of his size were expected to operate near the basket. Odom could do that, but he could also dribble through traffic, throw an outlet pass, initiate a half-court set, or create a shot for a teammate. That combination made him a form of point forward before positionless basketball became common across the NBA.
His skills fitted naturally into Phil Jackson’s triangle offense. When Odom entered a game, the Lakers did not lose passing or rebounding. He allowed the team to play faster, use smaller lineups, or move Pau Gasol to center.
Odom was also comfortable without being the leading scorer. He accepted a reserve role during championship seasons and frequently finished games even when he did not start them. His unselfishness made him especially useful on a team built around Kobe Bryant.
One statistical study of the 2008–09 NBA season even rated Odom as the league’s strongest defensive player under its adjusted model. That finding does not make him an official Defensive Player of the Year, but it illustrates how his influence could extend beyond conventional box-score numbers.
Championships, Awards, and Career Statistics
Odom finished his NBA career with a strong collection of team and individual achievements:
| Achievement | Year |
| NBA All-Rookie First Team | 2000 |
| NBA champion with the Lakers | 2009 |
| NBA champion with the Lakers | 2010 |
| FIBA World Championship gold medal | 2010 |
| NBA Sixth Man of the Year | 2011 |
The official Lakers record confirms that Odom was part of the team’s 2009 and 2010 championship rosters. He also represented the United States at the 2004 Athens Olympics, where Team USA won bronze, and at the 2010 FIBA World Championship, where the United States won gold.
Lamar Odom Career Statistics
| Category | Career figure |
| NBA games | 961 |
| Points per game | 13.3 |
| Rebounds per game | 8.4 |
| Assists per game | 3.7 |
| Field-goal percentage | 46.3% |
| Three-point percentage | 31.2% |
| Free-throw percentage | 69.3% |
Basketball Reference also estimates that Odom earned at least $115.9 million in NBA salary. Salary history, however, should not be confused with present-day personal wealth.
Lamar Odom and Khloé Kardashian’s Relationship Timeline
Marriage After a Brief Courtship
Lamar Odom and Khloé Kardashian met at a party in August 2009. Their relationship developed quickly, and they married on September 27, 2009, approximately one month after meeting.
Their wedding and relationship received extensive television and entertainment coverage. Odom appeared on Keeping Up with the Kardashians, while the couple later starred in their own reality show, Khloé & Lamar, which ran for two seasons.
Marriage Problems and Divorce Proceedings
The marriage began breaking down publicly in 2013 amid reports concerning infidelity and substance abuse. Kardashian filed for divorce in December 2013.
The couple signed divorce documents in July 2015, but a judge had not yet completed the process when Odom experienced his medical emergency that October. Because they were still legally married, Kardashian became involved in medical decisions and remained near him during the first stages of his recovery.
She withdrew the divorce filing while he was critically ill. This did not mean the couple had formally reconciled. Kardashian filed again in May 2016, and the divorce was finalized in December of that year.
Documentary Disagreement
Their relationship returned to the spotlight with the 2026 Netflix documentary. In the film, Odom discussed being attracted to the Kardashian family’s lifestyle and level of fame. Kardashian later criticized how his comments represented the marriage and said she regretted participating in the documentary.
Odom subsequently disputed the interpretation that he married her only for publicity. The disagreement shows why statements from a documentary, podcast, or interview should be presented as each person’s account rather than as independently established facts.
The former couple is not back together. Recent public comments suggest that their relationship remains strained.
Lamar Odom’s Children and Family Losses
Lamar Odom shares three children with his former partner Liza Morales.
Their daughter Destiny Odom was born in 1998, and their son Lamar Odom Jr., commonly called LJ, was born in 2002. Their youngest child, Jayden Odom, was born in December 2005.
Jayden died from sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS, on June 29, 2006. He was 6½ months old. Odom and Morales have both discussed the lasting emotional effect of their son’s death.
Destiny and LJ appeared in Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom and spoke about how their father’s addiction, fame, marriage, and hospitalization affected the family. Recent coverage has described efforts to rebuild their relationships.
Odom and Khloé Kardashian did not have children together.
What Happened to Lamar Odom in 2015?
On October 13, 2015, Lamar Odom was found unresponsive at the Love Ranch, a legal brothel in Crystal, Nevada. He was transported to a hospital in Las Vegas and placed on life support.
The incident was widely described as a near-fatal overdose. Reports and Odom’s own later accounts have stated that he suffered kidney failure, multiple heart attacks, and 12 strokes. Because some of the most dramatic figures come from Odom, his representatives, or documentary accounts, they should be described as reported medical complications rather than independently confirmed diagnoses.
Odom eventually regained consciousness and was transferred to Los Angeles for continued treatment and physical rehabilitation. He later said that he initially could not walk or speak normally.
Addiction and Recovery
Odom has spoken publicly about cocaine use, alcohol, marijuana, grief, trauma, and repeated struggles with addiction. His personal losses—including the deaths of his mother and infant son—form an important part of that history, although they do not provide a simple explanation for every decision he made.
Recovery has not followed a straight line. Odom has attended treatment programs, discussed periods of sobriety, experienced relapses, and continued to describe addiction as an ongoing challenge.
Following his January 2026 arrest, his manager told People that Odom voluntarily entered a 30-day rehabilitation program to address concerns surrounding marijuana use and the possibility of returning to more dangerous drugs.
Claims that Odom is sober should therefore be connected to the date on which he made them. A positive update describes his condition at that moment; it does not permanently settle his recovery status.
Netflix’s Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom
Netflix released Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom in the United States on March 31, 2026. The 81-minute documentary examines Odom’s childhood, rise to NBA fame, marriage to Khloé Kardashian, addiction, family relationships, and 2015 medical emergency.
The film includes interviews with Odom, Kardashian, his children, and people connected to the Love Ranch. Netflix describes it as an attempt to look beyond the public narrative and explore the pressures and decisions that led to his near-death crisis.
Why the Documentary Title Causes Confusion
The title has caused some people to search “Is Lamar Odom dead?” or “Is Lamar Odom alive today?”
The word “death” is being used figuratively. It refers to his near-fatal medical crisis and the collapse of his former life—not to his present status. Lamar Odom was alive and publicly active as of July 2026.
The documentary should also not be treated as a neutral court record. It is built around personal memories, emotional testimony, and competing interpretations. Some claims are supported by established dates and records, while others reflect how Odom, Kardashian, Morales, or their children remember past events.
Where Is Lamar Odom Now in 2026?
Lamar Odom is 46 years old and remains involved in public appearances, interviews, documentary promotion, recovery-related discussions, and proposed business or community projects.
In 2025, reports described plans for a Lamar Odom Academy in Killeen, Texas, focused on basketball, esports, and STEM activities for students. The project was described as being in development, so it should not be presented as a fully operating school without newer confirmation.
January 2026 Arrest and Legal Update
Odom was arrested in Las Vegas on January 17, 2026, and charged with driving under the influence, speeding, and failing to remain in a traffic lane. He pleaded not guilty in March.
On July 7, the Associated Press reported that his attorney expected him to enter a no-contest plea under an agreement that would reduce the DUI charge to reckless driving. The scheduled trial was postponed for a later plea entry.
As of the latest confirmed reporting available on July 20, 2026, the plea was described as planned, not yet reported as finally entered or accepted by the court.
That distinction matters. A proposed agreement, a formally entered plea, and a final court judgment are three different stages of a legal case.
Lamar Odom’s Net Worth, NBA Earnings, and Businesses
Searches for Lamar Odom’s net worth in 2026 produce widely different estimates. No audited financial statement or authoritative public record establishes one exact current figure.
Basketball Reference estimates that Odom earned at least $115,967,658 in NBA salary. That number does not represent how much money he currently possesses. Taxes, agent fees, living expenses, investments, property, debt, legal costs, and business performance all affect personal wealth.
Odom has been associated with several business ventures, including the Rich Soil cannabis and wellness brand, senior-care projects, cryptocurrency promotion, and celebrity boxing. Some ventures have changed ownership or status over time, making it misleading to list every past project as a current source of income.
The most accurate conclusion is that Odom earned substantial money during his basketball career, but his current net worth is not publicly verified. Websites that give a precise figure are generally publishing an estimate rather than a confirmed financial total.
Lamar Odom’s Basketball Legacy
Lamar Odom’s public identity is often divided between two stories: the talented basketball player and the celebrity whose personal life became tabloid news. His real legacy includes both, but his NBA contribution deserves more attention than many celebrity profiles provide.
He was never selected as an NBA All-Star, and his career declined quickly after leaving the Lakers. Those facts weaken a potential Basketball Hall of Fame argument.
However, Odom’s strongest achievements remain significant. He was an essential player on two championship teams, won the Sixth Man of the Year Award, represented Team USA, earned Olympic and FIBA medals, and produced more than a decade of valuable NBA play.
His game was also ahead of its time. Modern teams value forwards who can rebound, bring the ball up the floor, pass, defend multiple positions, and support stars without demanding constant possession. Odom performed all of those roles.
Whether that résumé is enough for the Hall of Fame is debatable. His place in Lakers history, however, is much clearer. He was a central member of the team that reached three consecutive NBA Finals and won back-to-back championships.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lamar Odom
Is Lamar Odom alive in 2026?
Yes. Lamar Odom is alive and was publicly active in July 2026. The title of his Netflix documentary refers to his near-death experience and personal rebuilding, not his actual death.
How old is Lamar Odom?
Odom was born on November 6, 1979. He is 46 years old as of July 2026 and will turn 47 in November.
How many NBA championships did Lamar Odom win?
He won two NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. The titles came in 2009 and 2010.
Which NBA teams did Lamar Odom play for?
Odom played regular-season NBA games for the Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks. He later had a brief period with Baskonia in Spain.
Why did Lamar Odom and Khloé Kardashian divorce?
Their marriage faced problems connected to infidelity, addiction, and broken trust. Kardashian initially filed for divorce in 2013, paused the proceedings during Odom’s 2015 medical crisis, and finalized the divorce in 2016.
How many children does Lamar Odom have?
Odom and Liza Morales had three children: Destiny, Lamar Jr., and Jayden. Jayden died from SIDS in 2006 at 6½ months old.
What happened to Lamar Odom in 2015?
He was found unresponsive at the Love Ranch in Nevada and experienced a near-fatal medical emergency. He entered a coma, was placed on life support, and underwent extensive rehabilitation.
Is Lamar Odom sober now?
Odom has reported periods of sobriety and has continued seeking treatment. Because recovery can involve setbacks, his sobriety status should be tied to dated statements rather than described as permanently resolved.
What is Lamar Odom’s Netflix documentary about?
Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom covers his childhood, NBA career, marriage, addiction, family relationships, 2015 overdose, and attempts to rebuild his life. It began streaming on Netflix on March 31, 2026.
What is Lamar Odom’s net worth?
His exact current net worth is not publicly verified. He earned at least $115.9 million in NBA salary, but career earnings are not the same as remaining personal wealth.
Conclusion
Lamar Odom is more than the subject of a health scare, celebrity marriage, or Netflix documentary. He was a uniquely skilled NBA forward whose passing, rebounding, and versatility helped the Los Angeles Lakers win championships in 2009 and 2010.
His life after basketball has included addiction, family loss, recovery, legal difficulties, business projects, and repeated attempts to rebuild damaged relationships. As of July 2026, Odom is alive and remains a public figure, while his strongest professional legacy continues to rest on his importance to one of the NBA’s most successful championship teams.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only. Individual experiences, preferences, results, and circumstances may vary.
