Lamar Odom’s journey is one of raw honesty and reflection. On a recent episode of the Cousins podcast with Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter, Odom opened up about his past with a candor that left listeners riveted.
“I loved drugs. You’re talking to a real addict,” Odom confessed, pulling no punches about his struggles.
When Vince Carter asked if he used drugs during the NBA season, Odom was straightforward: “Nah… Summertime I did though. I ain’t gonna front.
You get drug tested like four times. If you get caught for sniffing cocaine, that suspension is gonna be crazy.
I had some great cocaine summers though…That was my way of beating the system. Just partying hard during the summertime.”
Odom’s honesty is striking. He doesn’t cloak his addiction in mystery; he owns it outright, acknowledging both the allure and the cost.
As Netflix gears up to release ‘The Death and Life of Lamar Odom,’ the documentary revisits his near-fatal 2015 overdose and the pivotal moments that reshaped his life. It features voices from his past, including Khloe Kardashian, highlighting the intense spotlight during his career’s peak.
On the podcast, Odom reflected on the expectations that shadowed him from an early age. “100% I should be where ya’ll at in the Hall of Fame. I had people coming to me before I got to the NBA saying ‘yo, you a hall of famer…Let’s keep it real with you, I shot a reality show in-season, that means I was playing in the game, winning 6th man of the year, and shooting a reality show.”
He continued, “I knew I had the grit and the makeup, especially if you put me on the spot, I’m gonna get it done, but I think about overall legacy and greatness, yea I hurt that by using drugs, but I’m gonna stand on that. I think about my life and the ups and the downs, I probably been put here to do something more than just play basketball.”
Odom’s talent was undeniable. Standing 6 foot 10 with guard skills, he was one of the most versatile forwards of his era.
He could run the offense, rebound, handle the ball in transition, and defend multiple positions. Over his 14-year NBA career, he averaged 13.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, shooting 46.3 percent from the field.
But those numbers only scratch the surface of his impact.
His standout season came in 2010-11 when he secured the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award with the Los Angeles Lakers. Odom averaged 14.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists, shooting an impressive 53.0% from the field. His willingness to embrace a bench role without losing effectiveness gave the Lakers a distinct edge, showcasing his elite talent.
Odom’s greatest team achievements came with the Lakers, where he was instrumental in their back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010 alongside Kobe Bryant. His ability to adapt and fill various roles made him a linchpin in their playoff success.
Yet, for Odom, good was never enough. Fans often wondered about the “what-ifs.”
What if he had stayed focused year-round? What if his summers had been spent honing skills instead of indulging in cocaine binges?
What if his consistency matched his natural gifts?
Odom now addresses these questions head-on. He acknowledges that while his talent was Hall of Fame-worthy, addiction derailed that path.
What’s most compelling is his accountability. Odom doesn’t point fingers at teammates, fame, or reality TV. He owns his choices.
In this admission lies the heart of Lamar Odom’s story-a champion with immense talent and a career that, while impressive, could have reached even greater heights if not for those ‘great cocaine summers.’