On Oct. 13, former two-time NBA Champion Lamar Odom was hospitalized after being found unconscious at a Las Vegas brothel. It was reported that Odom overdosed on cocaine and ingested multiple sex-enhancement pills while visiting the brothel called “The Love Ranch.”
After an employee noticed Odom was unconscious, he was rushed to a local hospital where he remained in a coma for several days. Odom’s overdose attracted a lot of media attention largely because of his involvement in the reality TV show “Keeping up with the Kardashians,” as he was previously married to Khloe Kardashian. Kardashian, who filed for divorce against Odom in 2013, rushed to his side once he was hospitalized. Odom eventually woke from the coma, and has made significant progress in his recovery. But, it’s reported that he suffered kidney failure, and a possible stroke. On Oct. 22, doctors performed two emergency surgeries on Odom at Los Angeles’ Cedars-Sinai Hospital. It’s unclear whether Odom will make a full recovery.
Throughout this tragic event, Odom has received insurmountable support and prayers from celebrities and athletes across the country. Odom’s former Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant, and current general manager of the Lakers Mitch Kupchak visited him while he was in a coma. A few other current NBA players also visited Odom.
Members from the Kardashian family have been frequent visitors, but Khloe Kardashian is really the main reason why this tragic event is being so publicized. The Kardashians are notorious for attracting the media, headlining celebrity tabloids regularly in a negative fashion. Since Odom first arrived at the hospital, the media has invaded the Las Vegas hospital. Instead of the focus being on Odom’s overdose, this event has been more about Khloe Kardashian’s future with her estranged husband (Odom). She announced that they are going to nullify their divorce, and give their marriage another try. It’s headlines like these that create the most media buzz, not the coverage of a man who’s fighting for his life.
Odom is a truly genuine guy. He is well-respected around the NBA by players and coaches, won the Sixth Man of the Year award and two NBA championships during his time with the Lakers from 2004-2011. Drug use has been an issue throughout his NBA career (he was suspended twice for failing the NBA’s Drug Policy in 2001). But, during his time with the Lakes, he excelled on and off the court. In 2011, it was reported Odom was a player named in a blockbuster trade that would’ve sent him to the New Orleans Hornets for all-star point guard Chris Paul. Odom was crushed, and according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, that was the start of his downfall.
His marriage with Khloe Kardashian was publicized 24/7, and it eventually ended in 2013 largely due to his drug use. While he attempted to make a comeback with the New York Knicks in 2014, current Knicks President and Odom’s former coach Phil Jackson terminated his contract due to Odom’s inability to be “professional.” This past summer, Odom lost a close childhood friend who also overdosed.
Shelburne also reported that Odom made the trip to the brothel to “get away for a while.” Now, he has hit rock bottom. It’s sad to see this happen to a good person like Odom. Many people have criticized how much media coverage this has gained. He’s depicted more of a reality TV star than a former quality NBA player. The last thing this guy needs is constant media attention. Respect his privacy, allow him to recover and don’t refer to him as “Khloe’s husband.” Hopefully Odom will bounce back, and turn his life around for the better.
Leave a Reply