Challenges in the Life of Lamar Odom in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Lamar Odom's life and career.

Lamar Odom is a retired American professional basketball player. He is best known for his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he won two NBA championships in 2009 and 2010. In 2011, he was awarded the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award, recognizing his contributions as a key player coming off the bench.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

March 2001: Suspended for Violating Anti-Drug Policy

In March 2001, Lamar Odom was suspended for five games for violating the terms of the NBA's anti-drug policy.

2004: Shoulder Injury

In 2004, during his first year with the Los Angeles Lakers, Lamar Odom incurred a left shoulder injury that forced him to miss the end of the 2004–05 season.

2005: Inconsistent Performance

In 2005, during the first half of the 2005-06 season, Lamar Odom showed signs of inconsistency. However, as Los Angeles progressed towards the end of the season, his performance steadily improved.

June 29, 2006: Son Jayden passed away

On June 29, 2006, Lamar Odom's 6½-month-old son Jayden died from sudden infant death syndrome while sleeping in his crib in New York. Odom was in town for the funeral of an aunt at the time.

2006: Declined invitation to FIBA World Championships

In 2006, Lamar Odom declined the invitation to play for the FIBA World Championships due to the death of his son.

2006: Limited Games

In 2006, Lamar Odom was limited to 56 games in 2006–07 due to battling injuries.

2007: Declined invitation to FIBA World Championships due to injury

In 2007, Lamar Odom declined the invitation to play for the FIBA World Championships because of a shoulder injury.

2007: Lakers Defeated

In 2007, the Lakers were again defeated by the Suns in the first round of the 2007 NBA Playoffs.

2008: Move to the Bench

In 2008, Lamar Odom arrived to training camp out of shape and transitioned to the bench as the Lakers' sixth man.

2008: NBA Finals Loss

In 2008, during the 2008 NBA Finals, the Lakers, including Lamar Odom, lost to the Boston Celtics.

January 2012: Struggles in Dallas

In January 2012, Sports Illustrated reported that Lamar Odom was struggling to find his niche with the Dallas Mavericks.

March 2, 2012: Assignment to Texas Legends

On March 2, 2012, Lamar Odom was assigned to the Texas Legends of the NBA D-League.

April 9, 2012: Parted ways with the Mavericks

On April 9, 2012, it was announced that Lamar Odom had parted ways with the Dallas Mavericks. The team listed him as inactive for the remainder of the season, allowing them to trade him later. Odom expressed his regrets to ESPN, wishing the organization continued success. Mavericks owner Mark Cuban cited a clash on April 7 as the final straw.

August 30, 2013: Arrested for DUI

On August 30, 2013, Lamar Odom was arrested on charges of driving under the influence (DUI). He refused to submit to a chemical test after the arrest.

October 13, 2015: Hospitalized after being found unconscious

On October 13, 2015, Lamar Odom was hospitalized after being discovered unconscious at the Love Ranch in Crystal, Nevada. He suffered kidney failure, several heart attacks, and 12 strokes, leading to a coma. He was placed on life support before regaining consciousness and being transferred to a hospital in Los Angeles.

October 2015: Hospitalized in Comatose State

In October 2015, Lamar Odom was hospitalized in a comatose state after being discovered unconscious in a Nevada brothel. He later sought treatment for drug and alcohol addiction.

2017: Spoke publicly about health struggles and addiction

In 2017, Lamar Odom spoke publicly about his health struggles, his cocaine addiction, and his recovery from that addiction. He called himself a "walking miracle" who had "cheated death".