“Had a Drink…Woke Up Three Days Later,” Lamar Odom’s Terrifying Experience in Las Vegas

Lamar Odom claimed he was poisoned at Nevada brothel when he spoke about his near-death experience in Las Vegas.

“Had a Drink…Woke Up Three Days Later,” Lamar Odom’s Terrifying Experience in Las Vegas

Lamar Odom (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • Lamar Odom experienced a life-threatening incident in Las Vegas after consuming alcohol, resulting in a three-day hospitalization.
  • He suffered 12 strokes and six heart attacks during the incident, requiring him to relearn basic functions.
  • Odom has been open about his struggles with drug addiction, acknowledging its impact on his NBA career and legacy.

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. 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 opened up about the Bunny Ranch incident in Vegas that led to his hospitalization.

Listen to what I’m saying. I was living in Vegas for a week and a half, so I ain’t even know where to go get no drugs from. I just signed divorce papers. I said yo, I’m going to the Bunny Ranch but I ain’t have no cocaine to take, so how am I gonna party, get it in with no cocaine. I was tight. Sat down, had a drink, I woke up three days later. I couldn’t even talk when I woke up.

Odom suffered 12 strokes and six heart attacks during the incident.  He had to relearn how to walk and speak. At one point, he could not control basic bodily functions.

Lamar Odom opened about his drug addiction

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. However, his addiction to drugs played a significant role in derailing his NBA career.

Odom opened up about his drug addiction on the podcast.

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.

While substance abuse played a huge role in hurting his NBA career and reaching his full potential, he did play a vital role from the bench and helped the Lakers to two championships.

Lamar Odom completes 30-day rehab stay following DUI arrest

Even after his retirement, Odom’s life has gone through ups and downs. Not so long ago, the 46-year-old was arrested and booked on a DUI charge, tied to marijuana use. It consisted of two traffic violations.

Lamar Odom
Lamar Odom (Image credits – CNN)

The former champion checked into iRely Recovery shortly after the incident and has now officially checked out and completed a 30-day rehabilitation program in Los Angeles. The rehabilitation program was focused on recovery, wellness, and accountability.

His latest stay at iRely Recovery appears to reflect a proactive effort to prevent relapse rather than react to a more severe crisis. After a long history of substance abuse, NBA fans will hope he gets his life back on track and focuses on his entrepreneurial ventures.

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