LOS ANGELES — For Lamar Odom, the past isn’t just a memory; it’s a visceral, suffocating environment. In a raw and deeply personal interview ahead of his new Netflix documentary, Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom, the former NBA champion described the process of revisiting his history of addiction and near-death experiences with a haunting metaphor.
“I was telling my girlfriend on the way here, it’s like swimming in a cesspool of trauma,” Odom said. “And I’m trying to get out of it, but the story reels me back into that pool every time.”
A Documentary of Survival
The documentary, which has sparked viral confusion online with some fans even questioning if the 46-year-old had passed away, serves as a stark reminder of his 2015 medical crisis. At the time, Odom was found unresponsive at a Nevada brothel after suffering 12 strokes and 6 heart attacks.
The film reveals harrowing new details from that period, including the role of his ex-wife, Khloé Kardashian. Kardashian reportedly had to make the agonizing decision to authorize a high-risk surgery on Odom’s collapsed lungs while he was in a coma—a decision she made with the support of Odom’s late teammate, Kobe Bryant.
The Cycle of Recovery and Relapse
Odom’s “cesspool” comment comes at a particularly vulnerable time. In January 2026, the basketball star faced a fresh setback when he was arrested for a DUI in Las Vegas. Following the incident, Odom checked himself into iRely Recovery in Los Angeles for a 30-day inpatient program.
“Every recovering addict knows that you want to kind of stay away from things that were traumatizing in your life,” Odom admitted. However, he remains committed to using his platform to help others. “I just know I’m bigger than the situation, and I hope to help a lot of people by giving my testimony.”
Looking Ahead
While Odom has been sober since January 28, 2026, his legal battles are not yet over. He is currently scheduled for a bench trial on July 7, 2026, regarding the recent DUI charges.
Despite the looming court date and the emotional toll of his documentary, Odom views his continued existence as a “walking miracle.” Doctors originally told him he might never walk or talk again after his 2015 overdose. Today, he remains focused on maintaining his sobriety and honoring the “Mamba Mentality” he says he adopted from Kobe Bryant—a mentality that now serves as his lifeline while he navigates the murky waters of his past.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 2015 | Odom found unresponsive in Nevada; suffers 12 strokes and 6 heart attacks. |
| December 2016 | Divorce from Khloé Kardashian is finalized. |
| January 17, 2026 | Arrested in Las Vegas for DUI and speeding. |
| February 2026 | Completes 30-day inpatient rehab program in Los Angeles. |
| March 30, 2026 | Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom premieres on Netflix. |
| July 7, 2026 | Scheduled bench trial for the January DUI arrest. |