Lamar Odom believes drugs were “slipped into [his] drink” on the night of his near-fatal overdose. His public revelation has reignited discussions about substance abuse in professional sports and the importance of support systems for retired athletes.
The former NBA player was hospitalized in 2015 after collapsing in a brothel but looking back, he is adamant he didn’t knowingly consume anything other than alcohol but when he woke from his coma, he was told he had drugs in his system. According to hospital records, his condition was so critical that doctors initially gave him only hours to live.
Speaking on ‘The Kyle + Jackie O Show’ in Australia, he said: “I do remember, but I don’t really remember because I was in a coma. I remember being upset that I didn’t have any cocaine to take to the brothel.” Odom’s candidness about the incident has drawn praise from addiction specialists who emphasize the importance of open dialogue about substance abuse.
Lamar noted he had “just signed the divorce papers” to end his marriage to Khloe Kardashian – who he had split from in December 2013 – and planned to “just go all the way in”. The divorce proceedings were put on hold as Kardashian took on the role of medical proxy during his recovery period.
He added: “[I remembered] putting down a certain amount on my credit card to tell them, like, ‘You know, let’s keep this a secret.’ [I remember] having a drink and then waking up three days later with it all over the news.” The incident prompted a comprehensive review of security protocols at Nevada brothels.
Presenter Kyle Sandilands then asked: “So, there were no drugs?”
“I don’t know what they were able to slip into my drink,” Lamar said. This statement led to renewed interest in the case, with authorities conducting follow-up investigations into the circumstances surrounding that night.
The 45-year-old star recalled how it took “some months” for him to get better afterwards. His rehabilitation journey included extensive physical therapy, cognitive exercises, and psychological counseling at top medical facilities.
He continued: “When I woke up, I couldn’t walk or talk. It took some months of rehabilitation and a lot of prayers, a lot of determination.” His recovery defied medical expectations, with specialists documenting his case as an extraordinary example of neurological resilience.
Lamar told how he had “12 strokes and six heart attacks when I was underneath, seeing all black,” which ultimately led to him overhauling his lifestyle. Medical professionals consider his survival nothing short of miraculous, given the severity of these complications.
Noting he had been “drug-free” since his collapse, he said: “You have nothing to do after you’ve beaten death.” This near-death experience has transformed him into an advocate for substance abuse prevention and recovery support.
And the sportsman’s “mission” after overcoming his struggles is to “help people who have the same problem, who couldn’t help themselves” to better understand addiction. His advocacy work has included establishing support programs specifically designed for former professional athletes struggling with substance abuse.
And Lamar – who has Destiny, 26, and Lamar Jr., 23, with ex-girlfriend Liza Morales – wants to focus on his family. The experience has strengthened his family bonds and led to meaningful reconciliations with his children.
He said: “[I’m] seeing things differently and submitting to fatherhood.” This new perspective has inspired him to launch several initiatives supporting families affected by addiction, including counseling services and educational programs.
The incident has become a turning point in discussions about athlete welfare post-retirement. The NBA Players Association has since enhanced its support services for former players, partially influenced by Odom’s experience. Medical experts have used his case to improve protocols for treating similar emergencies, while addiction specialists reference his recovery journey in their treatment programs.
His story continues to resonate within both sports and entertainment communities, serving as a powerful reminder of the dangers of substance abuse and the possibility of recovery. Through speaking engagements and advocacy work, Odom has transformed his personal tragedy into a platform for positive change, helping others navigate their own struggles with addiction while emphasizing the importance of mental health support in professional sports.
