Lamar Odom, a former American professional basketball player, has a net worth of approximately $30 million as of 2024. Known for his versatility on the court, Odom played for several NBA teams, most notably the Los Angeles Lakers, and earned a total of $115 million in career salary. Now at the age of 44, his life has been filled with triumphs and struggles, both on and off the court.
Who Is Lamar Odom?
Lamar Joseph Odom was born on November 6, 1979, in South Jamaica, Queens, New York. His early life was marked by hardship—his mother passed away from colon cancer when he was just 12, and his father struggled with drug addiction. Raised by his grandmother, Odom found solace in basketball, excelling at multiple high schools and earning accolades like Parade Player of the Year and USA Today All-USA First Team.
Initially planning to attend the University of Nevada Las Vegas, he faced scholarship revocation due to questions about his ACT score and a legal issue. Instead, he joined the University of Rhode Island, where he played for one season before declaring for the 1999 NBA Draft.
How Did Lamar Odom Build His Basketball Career?
NBA Debut and Early Success
Odom was selected as the fourth overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers. His impressive rookie season earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
Miami Heat and Lakers Championship Run
In 2003, he signed with the Miami Heat, where he played alongside rising star Dwyane Wade. However, after just one season, he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers as part of a package deal for Shaquille O’Neal.
Odom spent the next seven seasons with the Lakers (2004–2011), playing a crucial role in their back-to-back NBA Championship victories in 2009 and 2010. His versatility as a forward and his ability to play multiple positions made him a key player in Phil Jackson’s system.
Later Years and International Stint
After leaving the Lakers, Odom played briefly for the Dallas Mavericks (2011–2012) and returned to the Clippers (2012–2013). In 2014, he signed with Laboral Kutxa Baskonia, a Spanish League team, but his tenure was short-lived due to a back injury. That same year, he ended his professional career with a short stint at the New York Knicks.
International Achievements
Representing the United States, Odom won a bronze medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics and a gold medal at the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey.
What Happened in Lamar Odom’s Personal Life?
Relationships and Marriage to Khloé Kardashian
Odom was in a long-term relationship with Liza Morales, with whom he had three children: Destiny (1998), Lamar Jr. (2002), and Jayden (2005). Tragically, Jayden passed away from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in 2006.
In 2009, Odom married reality TV star Khloé Kardashian after a whirlwind romance. Their marriage gained significant media attention, and they even starred in their own reality show, Khloé & Lamar, which aired for two seasons. However, due to Odom’s personal struggles, including substance abuse issues, Kardashian filed for divorce in 2013, finalizing it in 2016.
Substance Abuse and Health Crisis
Odom’s battle with addiction came to a head in 2015 when he was found unconscious at a Nevada brothel. He suffered kidney failure, multiple strokes, and heart attacks, requiring extensive hospitalization and rehabilitation. Though he recovered, the incident was a wake-up call that led him to seek treatment.
Recent Endeavors and Recovery Journey
In April 2023, Odom announced his investment in several rehabilitation centers in California, launching Odom Wellness Treatment Centers to help others struggling with addiction.
How Did Lamar Odom Earn and Spend His Wealth?
Career Earnings and Contracts
Throughout his NBA career, Odom earned a total of $115 million in salary, with his peak earning season in 2008-2009 when he made $14 million with the Lakers.
Real Estate Investments
Odom has owned multiple properties, including a mansion in Pinecrest, Florida, which he initially purchased for under $3 million in 2003. After attempting to sell it for several years, he finally listed it at $3.6 million in 2018.
In 2014, he and Kardashian sold their former marital home in Tarzana, California, to actress Kaley Cuoco for $5.5 million.
What’s Next for Lamar Odom?
Despite his challenges, Odom continues to rebuild his life. His focus on addiction recovery and business investments signals a new chapter for the former NBA star. With his personal experiences shaping his mission, he remains committed to helping others overcome their struggles, proving that redemption is always possible.
Odom’s story is one of resilience—rising from a troubled childhood to NBA stardom, facing personal demons, and now working to support others on their journey to recovery. Though his basketball career is behind him, his impact off the court continues to grow.
