Lamar Odom facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Lamar Odom

Odom in 2022
Personal information
Born	(1979-11-06) November 6, 1979 (age 45) Queens, New York, U.S.
High school	Christ the King (Queens, New York) Redemption (Troy, New York) St. Thomas Aquinas (New Britain, Connecticut)
Listed height	6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
Listed weight	230 lb (104 kg)
Career information
College	Rhode Island (1998–1999)
NBA Draft	1999 / Round: 1 / Pick: 4th overall
Selected by the Los Angeles Clippers
Pro career	1999–2014
League	NBA
Career history
1999–2003	Los Angeles Clippers
2003–2004	Miami Heat
2004–2011	Los Angeles Lakers
2011–2012	Dallas Mavericks
2012–2013	Los Angeles Clippers
2014	Laboral Kutxa Baskonia
Career highlights and awards
2× NBA champion (2009, 2010) NBA Sixth Man of the Year (2011) NBA All-Rookie First Team (2000) First-team All-Atlantic 10 (1999) Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year (1999) Parade Player of the Year (1997) 2× First-team Parade All-American (1996, 1997)
Career NBA statistics
Points	12,781 (13.3 ppg)
Rebounds	8,059 (8.4 rpg)
Assists	3,554 (3.7 apg)
Medals Representing USA Men's Basketball Summer Olympics Bronze 2004 Athens National team FIBA World Championship Gold 2010 Turkey National team

Lamar Joseph Odom (born November 6, 1979) is a former professional basketball player from the United States. He is famous for playing in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He won two championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2009 and 2010. In 2011, he was named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year.

Lamar Odom was a top high school player, earning national honors in 1997. He played college basketball for the University of Rhode Island. After one great season, he decided to become a professional player. The Los Angeles Clippers chose him as the fourth pick in the 1999 NBA draft. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team in his first year.

After four seasons with the Clippers, he joined the Miami Heat for one season. Then, he was traded to the Lakers, where he played for seven years. Later, he played for the Dallas Mavericks and returned to the Clippers. He also played briefly in Spain in 2014. Odom also played for the U.S. national team. He won a bronze medal at the Olympics in 2004 and a gold medal at the FIBA World Championship in 2010.

Lamar Odom was married to Khloé Kardashian from 2009 to 2016. During this time, he appeared on the reality TV show Keeping Up with the Kardashians. He and Khloé also had their own show called Khloé & Lamar.

Early Life and High School Basketball

Lamar Odom was born in South Jamaica, Queens, New York City. His parents were Joe Odom and Cathy Mercer. Sadly, his mother died when he was only 12 years old. After her death, his grandmother, Mildred Mercer, raised him.

For his first three years of high school, Odom played basketball at Christ the King Regional High School. He later transferred to Redemption Christian Academy and then to St. Thomas Aquinas High School. There, he was coached by Jerry DeGregorio. In 1997, as a senior, Odom was named the Parade Player of the Year. He also received other honors, like being named to the USA Today All-USA First Team. He was a Parade All-American First Team member for two years in a row.

During high school, Odom played on the same amateur team as future NBA players Elton Brand and Metta World Peace. He also played at a special camp with future Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant.

College Career at Rhode Island

Odom thought about going straight to the NBA from high school. He even talked to Kobe Bryant, who had done it. But Odom decided he wasn't ready and chose to go to college instead. He first committed to the University of Nevada at Las Vegas (UNLV).

Later, Odom transferred to the University of Rhode Island. He had to sit out the 1997–98 season. His coach, Jim Harrick, and assistant coach, Jerry DeGregorio, helped him a lot. DeGregorio became a close friend. Odom also found inspiration from his grandmother, who went back to school at age 56.

Odom played one season for Rhode Island in 1998–99. He averaged 17.6 points per game and led his team to the conference championship. He was named First Team All-Conference and the Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year. He was also the MVP of the Atlantic 10 men's basketball tournament. His amazing three-point shot at the buzzer won the Rams their first A-10 title against Temple.

Professional Basketball Journey

Los Angeles Clippers (1999–2003)

Odom with the Clippers

After his freshman year at Rhode Island, Odom decided to enter the 1999 NBA draft. He was picked fourth overall by the Los Angeles Clippers. In his first season, Odom averaged 16.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. He had an amazing NBA debut with 30 points and 12 rebounds. He was named to the 2000 NBA All-Rookie First Team.

In the 2000–01 season, Odom's scoring average went up to 17.2 points per game. He started in 74 games. The Clippers, a young team, did not make the playoffs. Odom played fewer games in the 2001–02 and 2002–03 seasons. After the 2002–03 season, he became a free agent. The Miami Heat offered him a contract, which the Clippers did not match.

Miami Heat (2003–2004)

The Miami Heat had a tough season before Odom joined them, winning only 25 games. But they had drafted talented young players like Dwyane Wade and Caron Butler. Odom became the team's starting power forward. He helped with scoring, averaging 17.1 points and a career-high 9.7 rebounds per game.

Even though the Heat started the season with seven losses, they improved greatly. They even competed for a playoff spot. On March 6, Odom achieved a triple-double, scoring 30 points, 19 rebounds, and 11 assists. The Heat made it to the playoffs as the fourth seed. They won their first-round series against the New Orleans Hornets. They then faced the Indiana Pacers, a top team. The Pacers won the series, but Odom had a strong season with the Heat.

After this season, Odom was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. This trade involved Caron Butler and Brian Grant going to the Lakers in exchange for Shaquille O'Neal.

Los Angeles Lakers (2004–2011)

Odom in a Lakers vs Spurs game in 2007

In his first year with the Los Angeles Lakers, Odom got a left shoulder injury. This made him miss the end of the 2004–05 season. Even with Odom averaging 15.2 points and a career-high 10.2 rebounds, the Lakers missed the playoffs. After this season, their former coach, Phil Jackson, returned.

During the 2005–06 season, Odom's performance improved steadily. He had two triple-doubles in a row. The Lakers made the playoffs but lost in seven games to the Phoenix Suns. Odom played well in the playoffs, increasing his scoring and rebounds.

In 2006–07, Odom played in 56 games due to injuries. He still averaged 15.9 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. The Lakers again lost to the Suns in the first round of the playoffs.

In the 2007–08 season, Odom stepped up his game. This was after young center Andrew Bynum was injured and Pau Gasol joined the team. Odom averaged 15.3 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists over 36 games. He finished the season with strong averages. However, in the 2008 NBA Finals, the Lakers lost to the Boston Celtics.

Odom in 2011, when he was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year

For the 2008–09 season, Coach Jackson planned to have Odom come off the bench as the sixth man. This meant he would be a key reserve player. At first, Odom wasn't sure about this new role. But he decided to accept it to help the team win its first NBA championship. When Bynum got injured, Odom returned to the starting lineup. In February, he averaged 16.5 points and 13.4 rebounds. He had a great game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, scoring 15 points in the third quarter. This helped the Lakers win and end Cleveland's 23-game home winning streak. Odom finished that game with 28 points and 17 rebounds.

Odom returned to his sixth-man role when Bynum came back. He finished the season with good stats and won his first NBA championship when the Lakers beat the Orlando Magic in the 2009 NBA Finals.

In 2009, Odom signed a new four-year, $33 million deal with the Lakers. This was a great investment. Odom played a very important part in the Lakers winning another NBA Championship. They defeated the Boston Celtics in the 2010 NBA Finals.

Odom continued his strong play in the 2010–11 season. He had career-highs in three-point shooting percentage (.382) and overall field goal percentage (.530). He started 35 games when Bynum was out. He averaged 16.3 points and 10.2 rebounds in those games. For the games he came off the bench, he averaged 13.5 points and 7.5 rebounds. Because he played more games as a reserve than a starter, Odom won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award. He was the first Lakers player to ever win this award.

Dallas Mavericks (2011–2012)

On December 11, 2011, Odom was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, who were the defending NBA champions. This trade happened after a bigger trade involving Chris Paul was not approved. Odom felt "disrespected" by how the trade news came out. He then asked to be traded to another team.

In January 2012, Odom was struggling to find his place with the Mavericks. On March 2, 2012, Odom was sent to the Texas Legends of the NBA D-League for a short time. He returned to the Mavericks' active roster the next day. On April 9, 2012, it was announced that Odom and the Mavericks had decided to part ways. He was listed as inactive for the rest of the season. This allowed the Mavericks to trade him later. Odom said he was "sorry that things didn't work out better." He averaged only 6.6 points in 20.5 minutes per game with the Mavericks.

Return to the Clippers (2012–2013)

On June 29, 2012, Odom was traded back to the Los Angeles Clippers in a four-team deal. He played all 82 games of the season for the third time in his career. However, he only started two of them. He averaged career lows of 4.0 points and 1.7 assists per game. He also averaged 5.9 rebounds. The Clippers finished with a great record and won their first-ever Pacific Division title.

In July 2013, Odom became a free agent. He did not sign an NBA contract, even though the Clippers and Lakers showed some interest.

Laboral Kutxa Baskonia (2014)

On February 18, 2014, Odom signed a two-month deal with Laboral Kutxa Baskonia. This team plays in the Spanish League and the Euroleague. A month later, he returned to the United States due to a back injury. His doctors said he was not fit to play. He only played in two games for Baskonia.

Mighty Sports (2018–2019)

On April 16, 2014, Odom signed with the New York Knicks for the rest of the 2013–14 season. However, he did not play in their last game. The Knicks missed the playoffs that year. On July 11, 2014, the Knicks released him.

Odom thought about playing in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) in early 2018, but he felt he wasn't fit enough. In December 2018, he joined a Philippine team called Mighty Sports. They played in the Dubai International Basketball Tournament in February 2019.

Odom hoped his time in Dubai would help him get back into professional basketball. He was especially interested in the Big3, a 3x3 basketball league in the U.S. He was named a co-captain for a team called the Enemies. But he struggled in his first game and was later removed from the Big3 for the 2019 season.

Playing for the National Team

Chauncey Billups (left) and Odom holding the 2010 FIBA World Championship trophy

Lamar Odom played for the U.S. national team in the 2004 Olympics in Athens. He averaged 9.3 points per game and helped the U.S. win a bronze medal. He was invited to play in the FIBA World Championships in 2006 and 2007 but declined.

Odom joined the 2010 FIBA World Championship team in Istanbul, Turkey. The U.S. team won the gold medal for the first time since 1994. Odom was one of the older, more experienced players on the young U.S. team. He helped guide the younger players and even played as a center. He led the U.S. in rebounds. He also made history by becoming the first player to win both an NBA championship and a FIBA gold medal in the same year.

Player Profile and Style

Lamar Odom was known for his positive attitude and how it helped his teams. The Lakers general manager, Mitch Kupchak, called him "the most popular player in our locker room." Odom believed in teamwork and played unselfishly. He was happy to let his teammates shine and play a supporting role.

Standing at 6 feet 10 inches tall, he was still very good at dribbling the ball and setting up plays. He was also a great rebounder, even as a small forward. He could score in different ways, like close to the basket, with mid-range shots, or from outside. He could start a fast break with a long pass, finish it with a layup, or dribble the length of the court for a dunk. Even when he was a reserve player on the Lakers' championship teams, he often finished games on the court.

Career Statistics

NBA

Regular season

Playoffs

International leagues

Regular season

Personal Life and Media Appearances

Lamar Odom has two children, Destiny (born 1998) and Lamar Jr. (born 2002), with his former girlfriend Liza Morales. Sadly, his youngest son, Jayden, died in 2006 at 6½ months old. Odom has a close relationship with his high school coach, Jerry DeGregorio, who he calls his "white dad." DeGregorio is also the godfather to Destiny and Lamar Jr.

In September 2009, Odom married Khloé Kardashian. They had met at a party for his Lakers teammate Ron Artest. Their wedding was shown on the reality TV show Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Odom became a regular on the show and became well-known to many people. In December 2010, they got their own reality series called Khloé & Lamar, which started in April 2011. The show was canceled in 2012 after two seasons.

In 2015, Odom had a serious health issue. He was found unconscious at a ranch and was put on life support in a Las Vegas hospital. He later regained consciousness and was moved to a Los Angeles hospital. Khloé Kardashian helped him with medical decisions during his recovery. His recovery went well, and he left the hospital in early 2016. Khloé Kardashian said he was "doing amazing." Their divorce was finalized in December 2016.

Odom has his own company, Rich Soil Entertainment, which makes music and films. He appeared in a Taco Bell commercial with Charles Barkley during Super Bowl XLIV. He also had a small role on the HBO show Entourage.

Lamar Odom is known for loving candy. A company called Wrigley even made a replica of the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy out of candy to celebrate the Lakers' 2009 championship. Odom's name is on the base of this candy trophy.

In 2015, Odom was the most searched living person on Google Trends.

In November 2019, Odom announced his engagement to Sabrina Parr, a health coach. However, in November 2020, Parr confirmed that their engagement was called off.

In February 2022, Odom was a HouseGuest on the third season of Celebrity Big Brother.

In 2023, Lamar Odom sold his company, Odom Senior Care, to ZNest.com. He then became the Chief Creative Officer at ZNest. He uses his own experiences to help families find good senior care options.

Boxing Matches

On June 11, 2021, Odom took part in a boxing match against singer/rapper Aaron Carter. He won by knocking Carter out in the second round. On October 2, 2021, Odom also defeated Ojani Noa, who is Jennifer Lopez's ex-husband, in another celebrity boxing match.

Film and TV Appearances

Images for kids

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  Odom in 2022

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  Odom with the Clippers

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  Odom in a Lakers vs Spurs game in 2007

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  Odom in 2011, when he was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year

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  Chauncey Billups (left) and Odom holding the 2010 FIBA World Championship trophy