Pinnacle Gazette

Lamar Odom's Documentary Chronicles His Battle With Addiction and Near-Death Experience

The Netflix film 'Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom' reveals his struggles and the impact of a fateful overdose in 2015.

Category: Arts & Culture

In a poignant exploration of resilience and redemption, the new Netflix documentary Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom chronicles the life of the former NBA star, who has faced a tumultuous battle with addiction and a near-fatal overdose that left him fighting for his life. Premiering on March 31, 2026, the film features interviews with Odom, his ex-wife Khloé Kardashian, family, and former teammates, painting a vivid picture of his struggles and triumphs.

Lamar Odom, born on November 6, 1979, and currently 46 years old, rose to fame as a two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers. His career, once the envy of many, spiraled into chaos as he battled addiction, leading to a harrowing incident in October 2015. Odom was discovered unconscious in a brothel in Crystal, Nevada, after overdosing on a cocktail of cocaine, alcohol, and cannabis.

Doctors described him as a ‘walking miracle’ after he survived the ordeal, which included six heart attacks and 12 strokes. Initially placed in a medically induced coma, he was not expected to survive without severe brain damage. Odom eventually regained consciousness three days later, but the road to recovery was fraught with challenges.

In the documentary, Odom recounts the moment he ‘died’ during his overdose. He shared, “My heart stopped twice. My lungs collapsed and my kidneys ruptured.” His recovery was supported by Khloé Kardashian, who remained by his side throughout the ordeal, even as she faced her own emotional turmoil. “I was there for about four months, with him every single day. We were determined to get him walking and moving again,” Khloé said.

Khloé, who was still legally married to Odom at the time of his overdose, revealed that she had a premonition of his death the night before the incident. “I was doing a photo shoot for People magazine, and the night before, I had a dream about Lamar, that he was dead, and I was at his funeral,” she recalled. The following day, she received the devastating news from her sister Kim Kardashian.

The documentary also highlights the complex dynamics of their relationship. Khloé admitted to being an enabler during their marriage, trying to shield Odom from the public eye as he struggled with addiction. “I was such an enabler without knowing I was an enabler. But I just felt such a responsibility to cover this up, hold it together and protect him,” she explained.

Odom’s children, son LJ and daughter Destiny, also shared their experiences in the documentary, recalling their visits to the hospital with the expectation of saying goodbye. “When we went into the hospital room, it was hard seeing him all tubed up and everything,” Destiny said, emphasizing the emotional weight of the moment.

In a particularly moving segment, Odom discusses a dream he had about his late friend Kobe Bryant, who died in a tragic helicopter crash in January 2020. Odom described the dream as a turning point in his recovery, saying, “He looked back at me and said, ‘The afterlife is not what people make it out to be.’” This encounter inspired Odom to pursue a healthier lifestyle and confront his addiction head-on.

As he reflects on his past, Odom acknowledges the weight of his struggles and the impact they have had on his life. “I can’t walk, can’t talk,” he lamented, recalling the humiliation of his condition during recovery. Khloé’s unwavering support during this time was invaluable, as she helped him relearn how to walk and regain his independence.

Following his recovery, Odom checked himself into rehab for a 30-day program to address his substance abuse issues, completing it successfully. Yet, his path to sobriety has not been without setbacks. He relapsed in 2018 and faced another challenge in January 2026, when he was arrested for driving under the influence. Odom has since entered a new rehab program to address his marijuana use, stating that he is committed to resetting his life.

As of late January 2026, Odom reported being nearly 60 days sober, expressing gratitude for his life and the support he has received. “All of my doctors say I’m like a walking miracle, because it’s like medically impossible for someone to survive 12 strokes and six heart attacks,” he said, emphasizing his determination to take life one day at a time.

Khloé Kardashian’s reflections on their marriage and Odom’s struggles provide an intimate glimpse into the challenges they faced. She recounted the emotional toll of caring for him, stating, “It probably was harder for her because I couldn’t say thank you, or I appreciate you. I couldn’t even cry,” Odom noted, recognizing the strain their relationship endured.

In the documentary, Odom also discusses his aspirations for the future, including a desire to coach in college basketball and return to school. “Before I die I promise I’m going to learn how to swim and go back to school because I got a chance right now to coach in college really soon,” he shared, highlighting his commitment to personal growth and redemption.

As the documentary concludes, viewers are left with a sense of hope for Odom’s future. His story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of support from loved ones during the darkest times. The film sheds light on Odom’s struggles and serves as an inspiration for others facing similar battles.

With the release of Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom, audiences are invited to witness a deeply personal account of triumph over adversity, underscoring the significance of second chances and the enduring bonds of family and friendship.