Early Life and Education of Lamar Odom: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 12, 2026

An overview of the childhood and early education of Lamar Odom, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Lamar Odom is a prominent former professional basketball player who enjoyed a highly successful 14-season career in the NBA. Drafted in 1999, he played for teams including the Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, and Dallas Mavericks, notably winning back-to-back NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2009 and 2010. Beyond his athletic achievements, Odom became a significant pop-culture figure due to his high-profile marriage to Khloé Kardashian and his appearances on reality television. Despite his professional success, his life has been marked by personal turbulence, including struggles with substance abuse and a life-threatening medical emergency in 2015. Odom has since focused on his recovery, advocacy for addiction awareness, and sharing his journey through memoirs and public speaking, highlighting both the triumphs of his basketball legacy and the challenges of his personal life.

Sections (5)

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

November 6, 1979: Birth of Lamar Odom

Lamar Joseph Odom was born on November 6, 1979, marking the beginning of the life of the future professional basketball player.

Others born on this day/year

1980: Maternal Grandmother's Educational Achievement

In 1980, at the age of 56, Lamar Odom's maternal grandmother earned her college degree, serving as a significant source of inspiration for Odom throughout his life.

1997: Transfer to the University of Rhode Island and Academic Challenges

In 1997, Lamar Odom transferred to the University of Rhode Island as a non-matriculating student, which required him to sit out the 1997–98 basketball season. His academic tenure faced early hurdles when he disappeared before finals, requiring intervention from coach Jim Harrick to ensure he could complete his coursework.

1999: NBA Draft Selection

During the 1999 NBA draft, the Los Angeles Clippers selected Lamar Odom with the fourth overall pick in the first round, marking his transition to professional basketball.

2000: 2000–01 NBA Season Performance

During the 2000–01 season, Lamar Odom saw his scoring average rise to 17.2 points per game while starting in 74 games for the Los Angeles Clippers, though the team ultimately failed to qualify for the playoffs.

March 2001: NBA Anti-Drug Policy Suspension

In March 2001, Lamar Odom received a five-game suspension from the NBA for violating the league's anti-drug policy.

2003: Signing with the Miami Heat

In 2003, following his tenure with the Los Angeles Clippers, Lamar Odom signed with the Miami Heat as a restricted free agent for the 2003–04 season.

2004: Lamar Odom's 2004-05 Season Challenges with the Lakers

During the 2004-05 NBA season, Lamar Odom experienced a significant setback when a left shoulder injury sidelined him for the remainder of the campaign. Despite contributing strong personal statistics, including 15.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, the Los Angeles Lakers failed to qualify for the playoffs, marking a rare historical low for the franchise.

2005: 2005-06 NBA Season Performance

During the 2005 season, Lamar Odom experienced a season of two halves; after an inconsistent start, he improved his play significantly for the Los Angeles Lakers. He achieved his first consecutive triple-doubles as a Laker against the Golden State Warriors and Portland Trail Blazers, ultimately averaging 14.8 points and 9.2 rebounds during the regular season, and elevating those numbers in the playoffs despite a first-round exit against the Phoenix Suns.

2008: Lakers Sixth Man Transition

During the 2008–09 NBA season, Lamar Odom initially struggled with fitness at training camp and faced a transition to a sixth man role for the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite initial reluctance as a pending free agent, he accepted the reserve position to support his team and chase an NBA championship.

July 31, 2009: Lamar Odom Signs Four-Year Contract with Los Angeles Lakers

On July 31, 2009, following a month of contract negotiations and interest from the Miami Heat, Lamar Odom officially signed a four-year, $33 million contract to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers.

2009: Marriage to Khloé Kardashian

In 2009, Lamar Odom entered into a marriage with Khloé Kardashian, marking the beginning of a high-profile relationship that lasted until 2016.

December 11, 2011: Lamar Odom Traded to Dallas Mavericks

On December 11, 2011, Lamar Odom was officially traded to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for a first-round draft pick and an $8.9 million trade exception. This move followed the public vetoing of a separate three-team deal by Commissioner David Stern and Odom's subsequent request for a trade due to feeling disrespected by the Lakers organization.

October 2015: Hospitalization and Health Crisis

In October 2015, Lamar Odom was discovered unconscious at a Nevada brothel and subsequently hospitalized in a coma, which led him to later pursue treatment for substance abuse issues.