The widely publicized and uncomfortable events regarding Los Angeles Lakers two-time champion Lamar Odom turned into a whirlwind of events a little over a year ago. Odom was fresh from escaping death during that fatal night at a Las Vegas area brothel, with his former teammates and friends worried about his life.
It was at that point that Odom stated he was at an all-time low, capped off by his failing marriage with Khloe Kardashian. The limelight of constant media and TMZ didn’t allow Odom any privacy in the streets, as the former Sixth Man of the Year winner attempted to rebound virtually on his own.
Alas, Odom surpassed the fork in the road of his life, electing to voluntarily check into the San Diego Palmera Rehab Center in January. Since then, Odom has remained sober and seems completely deterred away from his previous lifestyle choices.
Odom sat down for an interview with Ian Drew of US Magazine, discussing many personal topics and the biggest rebound of his life. When asked if he is completely clean now, Odom gave a truthful response and confidently stated that part of his life is now history:
“Of course. Living sober, meaning no drugs, is a great feeling. Being in the moment is important — how you react, respond, create. If I would have done coke last night, you would have gotten some dickhead here trying to get out of here fast. But you’re getting Lamar now.”
Odom was rather blunt when discussing the subject, a sign that he understood the tomfoolery he was once engaged in. The 37-year-old also stated that his decision to visit the San Diego rehab center was strictly because of his daughter, Destiny Odom.
The brave 18-year-old gave her father an ultimatum, stating that he had to check in or face the reality of not speaking to his children again. Odom also praised his former wife for the role she had in the entire process.
Kardashian was at the hospital following that unfortunate night at the brothel and provided a family atmosphere to the recovering Odom. It seems as though Odom’s family was the true reason why he chose to change his ways, understanding the possibility of losing the few people he had left that believed in him.
Odom reunited with Lakers Luke Walton and Brian Shaw in early January, for a dinner and chance for the friends to catch up. The New York native also stated he would be open to joining the Lakers coaching staff, in a role to help the big men of the Lakers develop.