Lamar Odom reflects on 'cesspool of trauma' after near-fatal overdose

The former NBA star opens up about his struggles with addiction and the impact on his life in a new Netflix documentary

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:48pm

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An abstract close-up photograph of shattered glass and glittering shards, conceptually representing the fragility and trauma of Lamar Odom's life experiences.The shattered remnants of Lamar Odom's past serve as a powerful metaphor for the trauma and addiction he has overcome.

Lamar Odom, the former NBA player and ex-husband of Khloé Kardashian, is sharing his story of addiction and trauma in the latest episode of Netflix's 'Untold' documentary series. Odom, who suffered 12 strokes and 6 heart attacks after a near-fatal overdose at a Nevada brothel in 2015, says he is a 'walking miracle' and hopes his testimony can help others struggling with similar issues.

Why it matters

Odom's story sheds light on the challenges faced by high-profile athletes and celebrities when dealing with addiction and mental health issues. His willingness to be vulnerable and open up about his past can help destigmatize these topics and inspire others to seek help.

The details

In the documentary, Odom recounts the events leading up to his 2015 overdose at the Love Ranch brothel in Nevada. He claims the incident was 'like a hit' and that someone may have been trying to end his life. Odom also discusses his difficult divorce from Khloé Kardashian, who kept him insured and made medical decisions for him after the overdose. The former Lakers player says he suffered 12 strokes and 6 heart attacks, leaving him unable to walk or talk for a time.

  • Odom overdosed at the Love Ranch brothel in Nevada on October 13, 2015.
  • The Love Ranch brothel was demolished in November 2024, after the death of its owner Dennis Hof in 2018.
  • Odom's divorce from Khloé Kardashian was finalized in 2016.

The players

Lamar Odom

A former NBA player and ex-husband of Khloé Kardashian who suffered a near-fatal overdose at a Nevada brothel in 2015, leaving him with 12 strokes and 6 heart attacks.

Khloé Kardashian

Odom's ex-wife, who kept him insured and made medical decisions for him after his 2015 overdose.

Kobe Bryant

Odom's former Lakers teammate and Kardashian's close friend, who flew to Nevada to help Kardashian decide whether to proceed with surgery to fix Odom's collapsed lung.

Dennis Hof

The late owner of the Love Ranch brothel, where Odom overdosed in 2015.

Richard Hunter

The former manager of the Love Ranch brothel.

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What they’re saying

“Right when I signed the divorce papers, I was like, 'I'm gonna get it in.' The Bunny Ranch I used to always see on TV, but I don't have any coke to take. ... It's crazy when you think about [how] one decision, so big or so minor, could be so pivotal to you and to people that you really love.”

— Lamar Odom

“I was like, looking around like, 'Wait. Wait. I — I don't want the divorce.' 'You guys [who assembled for the intervention] told me I have to say this.'”

— Khloé Kardashian

“Stay away from your weakness. And my weakness, obviously, was drugs because I'm a drug addict. It could have been passed down to me from my father. But I'm not blaming anybody. Makes no sense to blame anybody. On or off the court, you have to work with what you've got. And I had an incredible stat line in terms of skills and how to play the game.”

— Lamar Odom

“I was telling my girlfriend on the way here, it's like swimming in a cesspool of trauma. And I'm trying to get out of it, but the story reels me back into that pool every time. But I just know I'm bigger than the situation, and I hope to help a lot of people by giving my testimony. Not just with the story, but just in life, that we can all overcome addiction.”

— Lamar Odom

“Netflix had a good paycheck, bro. No, but it's a time and place for everything. I don't know what made me relevant now.”

— Lamar Odom

The takeaway

Lamar Odom's story is a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by high-profile individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues. His willingness to be vulnerable and share his experiences can inspire others to seek help and destigmatize these important topics.