Additional Coverage:
- Lamar Odom’s past is a ‘cesspool of trauma,’ he says: ‘I don’t know what made me relevant now’ (latimes.com)
More than a decade after his harrowing overdose at a Nevada brothel, Lamar Odom reflects on his survival and ongoing battle with addiction in a new Netflix documentary.
Back in October 2015, Odom suffered a near-fatal episode at the Love Ranch brothel near Las Vegas, resulting in “12 strokes and six heart attacks,” a toll that left doctors calling him a “walking miracle.” The brothel where it all happened has since been demolished, but Odom’s story lives on.
The former NBA star and ex-husband of Khloé Kardashian shares his journey in the latest episode of Netflix’s documentary series Untold, titled The Death and Life of Lamar Odom. The episode, which premiered Tuesday, features interviews with Kardashian, former Lakers coach Phil Jackson, and others close to Odom during his health crisis.
“I haven’t even watched it yet,” Odom, now 46, told Sports Illustrated. “I lived it.”
Odom insists that the overdose was no accident but an intentional “hit,” suggesting someone tried to end his life. He recounts in the documentary how, after signing divorce papers, he found himself at the Love Ranch with no cocaine on hand but determined to “get it in.” He described the moment as pivotal-not only for himself but for those he loved.
Dennis Hof, the late owner of the Bunny Ranch and several other Nevada brothels, once promoted the idea that high-profile celebrities often visited. Yet, as former Love Ranch manager Richard Hunter explained, it was rare for anyone above the D-list to show up in person. Odom, however, went further than most, contacting several of the brothel’s workers via Instagram and requesting a car to pick him up – signals that his visit was very real.
Odom’s overdose involved alcohol and various drugs, including over-the-counter erectile dysfunction supplements, but no cocaine, he says. Kardashian revealed that their divorce was tied to an intervention ultimatum: rehab or separation. To everyone’s surprise, Odom chose the divorce, not rehab, at that time.
Though their divorce papers were signed prior to the overdose, the judge had not finalized the split, allowing Kardashian to remain involved in his medical decisions. Kobe Bryant, a close friend of Kardashian and Odom’s former teammate, flew to Nevada to support her during critical moments, including the decision to proceed with risky lung surgery that ultimately saved Odom’s life. Tragically, Bryant passed away in a helicopter crash less than five years later.
Following the overdose, Kardashian stayed by Odom’s side in the hospital. When he awoke from his coma, Odom faced significant physical challenges, including incontinence and the need for daily dialysis.
“I can’t walk, can’t talk. And they come in to check my diaper,” he said, underscoring the humbling reality for a former champion athlete.
Odom’s struggles with addiction continued in the years afterward, including a public incident in 2016 when he was removed from a flight for intoxication.
Reflecting on his journey, Odom offers a candid message to his younger self: “Stay away from your weakness. And my weakness, obviously, was drugs because I’m a drug addict.” He acknowledges the pain may be generational but emphasizes personal responsibility and the importance of choosing friends wisely.
Though uncertain why Netflix chose to tell his story now, Odom hopes it will resonate with others fighting addiction. “I’m bigger than the situation,” he told USA Today. “I hope to help a lot of people by giving my testimony… that we can all overcome addiction.”
And with a chuckle, he added to Sports Illustrated, “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’s story is one of survival, struggle, and the difficult road toward healing-offering a raw look at the human side of fame and addiction.