Former NBA Star Lamar Odom Reflects on Coma, Kobe Bryant's Influence

Odom opens up about his near-death experience, recovery, and how Kobe Bryant's 'Mamba Mentality' inspired his sobriety.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 9:04pm

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An abstract, neon-colored painting featuring dynamic brushstrokes and basketball-inspired shapes, conveying the raw emotion and personal struggle of Lamar Odom's recovery journey.A powerful visual representation of former NBA star Lamar Odom's personal battles and resilience, captured through the energetic brushstrokes of an expressionist painting.Los Angeles Today

In a new Netflix documentary, former NBA player Lamar Odom reflects on his 2015 drug overdose that left him in a coma, suffering multiple strokes and heart attacks. Odom credits the support of his former Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant, who visited him in the hospital, as a key factor in his recovery. Odom is now focused on personal growth and maintaining his sobriety, saying 'every day is a blessing' after doctors told him he may never walk or talk again.

Why it matters

Odom's story sheds light on the challenges of addiction and recovery in professional sports, as well as the lasting impact of losing a beloved teammate like Kobe Bryant. His openness about his near-death experience and ongoing sobriety journey can inspire others facing similar struggles.

The details

In the upcoming Netflix documentary 'Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom,' the former NBA player will give a candid account of his rise to basketball stardom, his marriage to Khloe Kardashian, his battles with drug addiction, and his harrowing 2015 overdose that left him in a coma. Odom says he endured 12 strokes and 6 heart attacks during that medical emergency, which doctors called a 'miracle' that he survived.

  • In 2015, Odom was found unconscious at a Las Vegas brothel after a drug overdose.
  • Odom was placed in a coma and suffered multiple strokes and heart attacks.
  • In January 2020, Odom's former Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash.
  • The Netflix documentary 'Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom' is set to premiere on March 31, 2026.

The players

Lamar Odom

A former NBA player who won two championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. In 2015, he nearly died from a drug overdose that left him in a coma.

Kobe Bryant

Odom's former Lakers teammate, who visited Odom in the hospital after his 2015 overdose. Bryant's 'Mamba Mentality' has inspired Odom's continued personal growth and sobriety.

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What they’re saying

“That's not no average sh-t”

— Lamar Odom

“To know that he was there... When I'm reflecting on it, I think that's probably what pulled me through. The love that I was getting from everybody. It's always good to have support, and of course support from your brothers”

— Lamar Odom

“I'm trying to read a lot more [and] sharpen up my brain. When I woke up [from the 2015 coma], they told me I would never walk and talk again....And so, every day is a blessing.”

— Lamar Odom

What’s next

The Netflix documentary 'Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom' is set to premiere on March 31, 2026, providing an in-depth look at Odom's journey.

The takeaway

Lamar Odom's story is a powerful testament to the importance of support, perseverance, and the lasting impact of losing a close friend and teammate like Kobe Bryant. His openness about his struggles with addiction and recovery can inspire others facing similar challenges.