Lamar Odom

Lamar Odom is an American former professional basketball player who spent 14 seasons in the NBA, primarily with the Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers.

Lamar Odom is an American former professional basketball player who spent 14 seasons in the NBA, winning two championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and earning Sixth Man of the Year honours in 2011.

What it is

Lamar Odom played as a versatile forward, known for his size, passing, and ability to play multiple roles. He was drafted fourth overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in 1999 and later played for the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks. His most successful years came with the Lakers, where he won back-to-back NBA titles in 2009 and 2010.

Why it matters

Odom’s career is notable for his on-court accomplishments, including being named NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2011. He also represented the United States in international basketball at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. Beyond sports, his marriage to Khloé Kardashian and subsequent public struggles with substance abuse brought him widespread attention in entertainment media.

Key details

Odom was born in Jamaica, Queens, New York, and played college basketball at the University of Rhode Island. He suffered a life-threatening overdose in October 2015, which led to a lengthy hospitalization. His legacy is often discussed both for his skill as a forward and for the attention surrounding his off-court life.