Ex-NBA star Lamar Odom falls back under spotlight after entering rehab for substance use following DUI arrest

Former NBA star and Los Angeles Clippers player, Lamar Odom, was arrested earlier on Saturday, January 17, for violating traffic rules. Not only did he exceed the speed limit, but he was also caught red-handed for improper lane changing. Following his arrest, he entered into a 30-day rehabilitation program in Los Angeles for Marijuana addiction.

Lamar Odom has a history of substance abuse, including an overdose, causing a near-death experience in 2015. A rehabilitation would be a better option for the former NBA star to maintain his mental well-being and state of awareness. Let us have a detailed look at what actually happened that made him enter a rehab unit.

Former NBA champion Lamar Odom enters rehab in wake of DUI arrest

According to Lamar Odom’s manager, Gina Rodriguez, the NBA veteran has decided to go through rehab, which could help him get away from hard drugs in the near future. He was arrested back on January 17 for speeding and improper changing of lanes. He was driving at more than 41 miles per hour. Moreover, after further investigation, the police informed that his car “reeked of weed” after they pulled him over.

Later, Odom himself admitted to smoking earlier that day. His manager, Rodriguez, said, “After a recent incident, he took a step back to reflect and address triggers he’s been dealing with”. She also said how Odom wanted to “reset and focus on his health” and how it was his “personal decision”. “Lamar is grateful for the support and is committed to moving forward in a healthy, positive way”, Rodriguez added.

2x NBA champion Lamar Odom had been previously arrested for substance abuse

Back in 2013, Lamar Odom, a former NBA star and veteran, was arrested for DUI in California. As a part of his punishment, he was even asked to pay a $1800 penalty for driving below the speed limit and showing obvious signs of intoxication. Odom also received three years of probation, during which he had to attend a three-month alcohol education program.

However, in 2015, lines were crossed when Lamar Odom was hospitalized for his near-death overdose of hard drugs, including alcohol, in a Las Vegas brothel. In 2019, he wrote, “My heart stopped twice, "I had twelve seizures and six strokes. My lungs collapsed and my kidneys ruptured. I was on life support. Everyone I’d ever loved was looking at me through bleary eyes”. For a person with a background of avid substance use, a rehabilitation center seems to be the best fit.


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