“I Loved Drugs,” Ex-NBA Star Lamar Odom Comes Clean About Dangerous Addiction

Former Los Angeles Lakers star Lamar Odom has had his fair share of issues off the court when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction. Odom, who is from New York, had a difficult upbringing. His father was a heroin addict, and his mother died of cancer when he was 12 years old.

Drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers as the number four pick in the 1999 NBA draft, Lamar Odom played for four NBA franchises throughout his career. During his 14-year NBA career, he achieved the most success with the Lakers. He was named the Sixth Man of the Year in 2011 and won two consecutive NBA championships alongside Kobe Bryant in 2009 and 2010.

He was renowned for the impact his positive personality had on his teams. However, his addiction to drugs played a significant role in derailing his NBA career. He has been open about his issues with drugs and even about his pregame rituals. His former teammate in the BIG 3 tournament, Gilbert Arenas, once revealed that the 6’10” forward was wild enough to watch p**n while the coach was talking. 

Speaking on Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter‘s Cousins podcast, Odom spoke about his drug addiction, even when he was a player.

I loved drugs. You’re talking to a real addict. If ain’t gotta play ball then I have no responsibility. Summertime I did drugs I ain’t gonna front… I had some great cocaine summers. When I think about overall, greatness and legacy yeah I hurt that by abusing drugs.

“I loved drugs. You’re talking to a real addict… Summertime I did drugs I ain’t gonna front… I had some great cocaine summers.” 😳

– Lamar Odom

(🎥 @VinceAndTmac / h/t @NBA__Courtside )

pic.twitter.com/X2O2mMb3lP

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 25, 2026

It is unfortunate that the NBA world could never witness the full potential of Odom. Many believed he had the potential to have a Hall of Fame career. He returned to the Clippers in 2012, which would go on to be his final season in the NBA.

Fans react to Lamar Odom opening up about his drug addiction

It is never easy to be open about substance abuse. Odom is well aware that it derailed his NBA career. The drugs did not leave him after his retirement. He has been caught various times and has gone to rehab.

After revealing his love for drugs, fans took to the internet to react to Odom’s comments.

This who Kobe went to war and won 2 rings with😭

— Dashy™️🦥 (@Dashytwo) February 25, 2026

Transparency like this can help somebody else fighting the same battle.

— Noah | Sports & Markets (@NoahStreamz) February 25, 2026

He want us to believe he wasn’t also doing coke during the season. Yea right.. he seem like he still fuckin with it lowkey

— KB (@certified1KB) February 25, 2026

doing coke all summer and quitting right before the season was never going to work.

— Starstatus Chris (@starstatus913) February 25, 2026

He capped when he said he didn’t do drugs during the season because he’s been suspended for using marijuana twice

— A-Dog ⍟ (@yooadog) February 25, 2026

He's lying. No drug addict takes 8 months break from doing drugs.

— Adua Sam (@Aduray360) February 25, 2026

That level of honesty is wild 😳 Respect for owning his past, but that lifestyle really comes with heavy consequences. Glad he’s still here to tell the story.

— Arianna🌹🇺🇸 (@Arianna_Kendy) February 25, 2026

That level of honesty is wild. Most people hide their darkest chapters he’s owning his. “Great cocaine summers” sounds crazy, but addiction will romanticize anything. Glad he made it out alive.

— Aqeel(inDesignThemes) (@a786r) February 25, 2026

Some fans appreciated Odom being open about his dark times, while some did not necessarily believe that he stayed away from drugs during the season. Odom has been suspended twice during his NBA career for violating the terms of the NBA’s anti-drug policy.

Lamar Odom recalls Kobe Bryant saying he was better than Michael Jordan

It is no secret that Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are two of the greatest players in NBA history. Both players have achieved numerous success and accolades throughout their illustrious careers. Bryant idolized the Chicago Bulls legend and mirrored his game in many ways.

During their conversation, Odom revealed he overheard Bryant speaking to himself, saying he’s better than Jordan.

Lemme tell you something about this dude. He’s on a streak. He had, like, nine game-winners, walk-offs. On his ninth one, we’re in Milwaukee. You know how your adrenaline could still be pumping after the game? So, Derek Fisher sitting right there. He [Kobe] got the last seat in the back, and he’s talking to himself. He’s murmuring to himself, ‘I’m better than Mike, I’m better than Mike.’ I said, ‘What, you bugging?’ But, if you know basketball, that’s where he was trying to go.

Bryant and Jordan went on to share a great relationship. Jordan would call Bryant his “little brother”, Bryant would call Jordan his “big brother,” and they would praise each other’s work ethic and accomplishments.

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