Whether it’s Lamar Odom’s bio, stats, net worth, Netflix doc and 2026 update or more — this guide has it all.
Who Is Lamar Odom?
Lamar Joseph Odom (born November 6, 1979) is a retired American professional basketball player. Odom was and is widely considered one of the most unique players in NBA history as he heads into 2026 at the age of 46. At 6-foot-10 (2.08 m) and approximately 230 pounds, he had a unique mixture of ball-handling skills like a point guard, rebounding ability like a center and exceptional court vision to share the basketball.
Odom was selected with the fourth overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers in 1999, and saw a 14-year career playing for the Clippers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks and two final games back with the Clippers before concluding his professional career for Laboral Kutxa Baskonia in Spain. His numbers: 13.3 points, 8.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists in a career total of 961 regular-season games (12,781 points; 8,059 rebounds; 3,554 assists).
Outside of basketball, Lamar became a reality star and a celebrity thanks to his marriage to Khloé Kardashian, guest spots on various TV shows and movies and then surviving an overdose in 2015 that almost killed him and turned the athlete into an advocate for mental health and recovery.
Early Life, College Career & Road to the NBA
With remarkable talent, Lamar Odom grew up with a lot of promise and heartache. Lamar was raised mainly by his grandmother who lived in Queens after the death of his mother, Cathy Mercer (also pictured), who died aged 45 from cancer when Lamar was just 12. He found in basketball a means to escape as well as his goal.
As a highly touted high school player, he played for several well-known basketball programs like Christ the King Regional High School, Redemption Christian Academy and St. Thomas Aquinas High School. His unique blend of size, athleticism, and playmaking drew the interest of college recruiters as well as NBA scouts.
Odom has played one year at the University of Rhode Island (1998–1999), where he burst onto the scene as a future superstar. He had a freshman season that earned:
- Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year
- First-Team All-Atlantic 10
- Atlantic 10 Tournament MVP
His tremendous play cemented his status as not only one of the best players in college basketball, but a lottery pick in the 1999 NBA Draft.
His NBA Career
From the Clippers to the Lakers
Lamar Odom played in the NBA from 1999-2014, with each stop further convincing audiences that he was one of basketball’s most multifaceted performers.
Los Angeles Clippers (1999–2003)
He started his career with the Los Angeles Clippers (1999–2003) where he was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2000, and quickly established himself as one of the brightest young stars in the league.
Miami Heat (2003–2004)
After being traded to the Miami Heat (2003–2004), Odom had arguably his best season, winning NBA Player of the Month in March 2004 and showing that he could be more than just a third or fourth option as a playmaker.
Los Angeles Lakers (2004–2011)
Los Angeles Lakers (2004–2011) = 8× NBA champion Odom was an integral piece of Phil Jackson’s championship teams, alongside Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol. Instead of just putting up points, he impacted every facet of the game—on the boards, covering multiple positions on defense, leading fast breaks and consistently making plays in playoff runs.
His versatility was instrumental in helping the Lakers win two consecutive NBA Championships in 2009 and 2010, and his stellar performance as a reserve player resulted in his earning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 2011.
Dallas Mavericks, Return to Clippers & Spain
They were followed by stops with the Dallas Mavericks (2011–12), a second stint with the Clippers and Laboral Kutxa Baskonia in Spain during 2014 in his final professional season.
Team USA Career
At the international level, Odom played for Team USA as well, winning a bronze medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics and a gold medal at the 2010 FIBA World Championship.
Career Achievements, Awards & Statistics
Lamar Odom remains a respected role player who can be deployed as a versatile forward in the NBA.
His career highlights include:
- Los Angeles Lakers: 2× NBA Champion (2009, 2010)
- 2011 NBA Sixth Man of the Year
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (2000)
- Gold Medal, FIBA World Championship (2010)
- Olympic Bronze Medal (2004)
Career NBA Statistics
| Category | Career Total / Average |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 961 |
| Points | 12,781 (13.3 PPG) |
| Rebounds | 8,059 (8.4 RPG) |
| Assists | 3,554 (3.7 APG) |
Well before we started hearing about “positionless basketball,” Odom had shown the way a 6’10” forward could initiate offense, defend all five positions and contribute to winning in numerous fashions.
Wife To Khloé Kardashian, Family Tragedy & Personal Struggles
On the other hand, out of basketball, Lamar Odom became a global celebrity by marrying Khloe Kardashian in 2009, only one month after they started dating. Their relationship was chronicled on Keeping Up with the Kardashians, which across multiple seasons led to their own reality television series, Khloé & Lamar (2011–12).
But behind the scenes, Odom is dealing with a much more personal tragedy. His youngest son, Jayden, died aged six months in 2006 from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). What compounded the loss of his mother — who died when he was 12 leaving him feeling orphaned and alone — these traumas took its toll on his mental health, leading to addiction later in life.
Odom is the father of both Destiny Odom and Lamar Odom Jr., with his ex-partner Liza Morales.
Even with all the press around his marriage and home life challenges, Odom has often spoke about how family and healing is important for his growth.
Overdose, Netflix Series & Lamar Odom Life In 2026
Odom’s life of course took a near-fatal turn on October 13, 2015 when he was discovered unconscious at a legal brothel in Nevada after an overdose.
The medical consequences were extraordinary. While in a coma, Odom endured 12 strokes and six heart attacks.
DREAM CATCHER
“Looking back on it, in a Netflix doc released March 31, 2026, Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom, he said.
“My doctors say I’m a bit of a walking miracle because it’s medically unheard of someone to survive 12 strokes and six heart attacks when they’re in a coma.”
Every part of his journey is covered in the documentary — from growing up in Queens to winning NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers; marriage to Khloé Kardashian; addiction and recovery; and his quest to reclaim his life. It also features some incredibly candid admissions, including the fact Kris Jenner caught him trying to take drugs during one of his lowest points.
The following year, in early 2026, Odom once more dominated the news headlines when he was arrested for DUI in Las Vegas. Just days later, his management announced he had willingly entered a 30-day treatment program for cannabis dependency at iRely Recovery in Los Angeles.
Odom told USA Today in March 2026 that he was still sober from January 28, 2026 and said:
“No pot, no alcohol. I guess had to quit the hardest was for me with the marijuana.
Now, Lamar is a capitalist working with his company Rich Soil Entertainment, motivational speaker and missing person outreach worker specializing in the alchemy of addiction to fulfilment. In addition, he’s been on Dancing with the Stars (2019), Celebrity Big Brother (2022) and reunited with Khloé Kardashian during The Kardashians Season 6 (2025).
Lamar Odom Net Worth (2026): A Lasting Legacy
By 2026, Lamar Odom is expected to have an estimated worth of $20–30 million. He made over $115 million in salary during his NBA career alone, along with endorsements, reality television income, speaking appearances, production work and investments through his Rich Soil brand.
Though his retirement included a series of unfortunate events professionally and personally, Odom has been on the comeback trail as he begins to rebuild his life stronger through media endeavors, entrepreneurial pursuits, wellness programs and public speaking.
He is so much more than just rings and numbers. The story of Lamar Odom is one of incredible athletic skill, devastating personal tragedy, global celebrity and addiction–the fight for survival and redemption. A would-be basketball star from Queens, a key to the Los Angeles Lakers title dynasty, an athlete who survived what doctors deemed medically impossible and now tells his story loudly, still inspiring millions.
Conclusion
But true strength doesn’t just come from winning on the basketball court — it also takes heart to take life by the horns and overcome your biggest obstacles, even in 2026 when Lamar Odom is a monument there to remind us of that.
FAQ
Who is Lamar Odom?
Lamar Joseph Odom (born November 6, 1979) is a retired American professional basketball player. Odom was and is widely considered one of the most unique players in NBA history as he heads into 2026 at the age of 46.
Which NBA teams did Lamar Odom play for?
Lamar Odom played for the Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks and also finished his professional career with Laboral Kutxa Baskonia in Spain after two final games back with the Clippers.
What are Lamar Odom’s major NBA achievements?
His career highlights include:
- Los Angeles Lakers: 2× NBA Champion (2009, 2010)
- 2011 NBA Sixth Man of the Year
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (2000)
- Gold Medal, FIBA World Championship (2010)
- Olympic Bronze Medal (2004)
What happened to Lamar Odom in 2015?
Odom’s life of course took a near-fatal turn on October 13, 2015 when he was discovered unconscious at a legal brothel in Nevada after an overdose.
What is Lamar Odom’s net worth in 2026?
By 2026, Lamar Odom is expected to have an estimated worth of $20–30 million. He made over $115 million in salary during his NBA career alone, along with endorsements, reality television income, speaking appearances, production work and investments through his Rich Soil brand.
