At this point, most are aware of the fact that former NBA forward Lamar Odom has been dealing with drug issues and is likely in need of help and support from those that know and are around him. Those on the outside may judge him in a negative light – how can someone so successful take the things he has for granted to this extent and jeopardize everything over drugs?
The truth about Odom’s situation appears to be more than trivial when you look over everything the man has had to endure over the years. Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles wrote an emotional piece about the forward that provided a sense of why things seem to be spiraling out of control for him:
As Lee Jenkins wrote poignantly in a 2009 Sports Illustrated profile:
“The happiest Laker is one whose father was addicted to heroin; whose mother died of colon cancer when he was 12; who attended three high schools; had his first college scholarship revoked before the fall of his freshman year; became a subject of three college investigations; declared for the NBA draft; tried unsuccessfully to pull out of the draft; was picked by arguably the worst franchise in sports; violated the league’s antidrug policy twice within eight months; and, after finally getting his life together, went home to New York City for an aunt’s funeral and wound up burying his 6 1/2-month-old son, Jayden, then getting robbed at gunpoint.”
And in the summer of 2011, Odom experienced more tragedy when, while home in New York City for a cousin’s funeral, the driver of the car service Odom was a passenger in struck a motorcyclist, who in turn ended up colliding with and killing a 15-year-old boy.
Some of his former Los Angeles Lakers teammates chimed in on the situation:
“As a teammate, as a friend, whatever the case is, he’s always been great to me,” Brown said. “He’s one of those guys who want to see other guys succeed, and he’ll do whatever it takes to help them, whether it’s giving them some words of encouragement or passing them the ball if they’re open. Little stuff like that, it makes a huge difference.”
“He just has a great spirit and energy and vibe about himself,” Powell said. “It’s attractive, it’s addictive. People want to be around him and be in his space.”
I asked Farmar what his message to Odom would be if he had one thing to say to him.
“I’m here for him,” Farmar said. “We’re all here for him, really. We know what kind of guy he really is. Everybody goes through tough times in life, and if he needs anybody, he can always reach out to us.”
He may be done as an NBA player, but basketball is just a game at the end of the day. This is Odom’s life, and you can only hope that he pulls through and get things back in order. Jay Williams, who also knows a thing or two about tragedies, had this to say:
Prayers and positive energy to @RealLamarOdom #BattleThroughAdversity
— Jay Williams (@RealJayWilliams) September 5, 2013
The latest on Odom is that he has reportedly checked into rehab, according to People.com:
Lamar Odom has checked himself into a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center, two sources confirm to PEOPLE.
“He realized he needs help,” a source says of the NBA free agent and husband of reality star Khloé Kardashian Odom.
We’re all pulling for you, Lamar.
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James Park is the chief blogger of Sheridan Hoops. You can find him on twitter @SheridanBlog.