Lamar Odom was born on June 11, 1979, in New York City, NY. He grew up playing basketball and quickly showed promise as a talented player. His skills on the court caught the attention of college recruiters, and he ultimately decided to attend the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) to play for the Runnin' Rebels.
During his time at UNLV, Odom showcased his versatility as a forward, with his ability to score, rebound, and facilitate for his teammates. However, Odom faced some challenges off the court and decided to transfer to the University of Rhode Island, where he continued to excel as a player. In 1999, he helped lead the team to an Atlantic 10 Conference title, solidifying his reputation as a standout player.
After a successful college career, Odom declared for the NBA Draft and was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers as the fourth overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft. He quickly made an impact in the league with his versatility and all-around skills. Odom later played for the Miami Heat before joining the Los Angeles Lakers.
During his time with the Lakers, Odom became a key contributor to the team's success, winning two NBA Championships alongside superstar Kobe Bryant. In 2011, he was named the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year, recognizing his valuable role coming off the bench for the team.
Despite his success with the Lakers, Odom's career took a turn when he was acquired by Mark Cuban's Dallas Mavericks in 2011. Unfortunately, his time with the Mavericks was short-lived, as he was released from the team after only one season.
Off the court, Odom's personal life has been well-documented. He was married to reality star Khloe Kardashian from 2009 to 2016, and the couple even had their own reality show titled Khloe and Lamar. Prior to his marriage to Kardashian, Odom had three children with Liza Morales—Destiny, Jayden, and Lamar Jr.
Tragically, Jayden passed away as an infant, and the loss deeply affected Odom and his family. Despite the hardships he faced, Odom continued to navigate the ups and downs of his personal life, including a high-profile engagement to Sabrina Parr.
Throughout his career, Lamar Odom has left a lasting impact on the NBA and the basketball community as a whole. His versatile playing style, championship success, and personal resilience have made him a beloved figure in the sport.
As he continues to navigate life both on and off the court, Odom's journey serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of overcoming adversity. Whether it's his standout performances on the basketball court or his personal struggles in the public eye, Odom's story is one of resilience, redemption, and determination.