Lamar Odom at the BET Awards 2022

Lamar Odom Praised After Opening Addiction Treatment Centres: 'God Saved Me So I Can Save Others'

Home / Entertainment / Lamar Odom Praised After Opening Addiction Treatment Centres: 'God Saved Me So I Can Save Others'

By Fiyin Olowokandi on April 6, 2023 at 11:00 PM EDT

Lamar Odom is giving back to his community!

Before leaving the athletic field, the 43-year-old made waves as an NBA star with several accolades. During this period, he joined the reality TV world as Khloé Kardashian's first husband.

Despite gaining recognition on the surface for being a star basketball player, the New Yorker battled with substance addiction behind closed doors. After undergoing a public recovery journey, Odom extends a hand to people in similar situations.

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Lamar Odom Says God Led Him To Create Wellness Treatment Centres Years After Scary Overdose

In a recent Instagram post, the former NBA player shared a picture of himself posing alongside several people. Thanks to his tags, some individuals in the group shot were identified as Gina Rodriguez (not to be confused with the actress), Karl Mullins Sr, Dennis Martinez, and his wife, Priss Martinez.

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Lamar Odom Promotes Odom Cannabis, at boutique in Hollywood
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The names mentioned above, among others, were renowned entrepreneurs who served as partners and staff members of the newly launched Odom Wellness Treatment Centres. The folks were all smiles in the snap, looking considerably shorter next to the former basketball player.

Even without a tag, missing the NBA Sixth Man of the Year honoree in the crowd was impossible. The New Yorker looked radiant, wearing a bright smile matching his colorfully patterned hoodie and white trousers.

"So Blessed," the 43-year-old began his passionate caption. "Please meet my partners and staff at my new addiction treatment centers @odomwellnesstreatmentcenters in San Diego County!! God saved me so that I can save others."

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For those unaware, the former Los Angeles Lakers player's message referred to his near-death experience. In 2015, the media personality overdosed in a Nevada brothel, becoming unconscious and suffering from health issues.

However, this traumatic ordeal inspired the "Khloé & Lamar" star's sobriety journey. Eight years later, Odom's rehabilitation programs promised to help others struggling with addictions avoid such near-fatal experiences.

Touched by his desire to change lives, fans sang the Parade Player of the Year honoree's praises in the comment section. Many hailed the former athlete's humanitarian efforts, while others shared their sobriety stories.

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"Yes sir.. wow, that is great…. Reaching back to help others… hallelujah… #15yearssober," a fan raved, inciting others to drop their testimonies. "God will always turn a negative into a positive when you believe and seek him first," a fellow believer penned.

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"So Awesome using your tragedy to help others," a third hailed the New Yorker, while another noted that Odom was saved to save others. One fan beautifully wrote:

"Lamar, it's all about timing. When God knows you are ready, he will use you for good. So happy that you're finding your purpose. You will help many."

The positive reactions were heartwarming as these gestures showed the public's favorable opinion despite the media personality's dark past. Per The Blast, the 43-year-old was candid about the impact of drugs on his life.

According to the "Celebrity Big Brother 3" contestant, his addictions were one reason for his divorce from Kardashian. The entertainer regretted hurting the reality TV star with his drug dependency and constant cheating.

Despite his problems, Odom noted that the Good American founder stayed by his side during the darkest days of his drug addiction. The "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" alum also remained supportive after the former couple ended their relationship.

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The 'Dancing With The Stars' Contestant Moved To His Ex-Wife's Neighborhood

Last year, The Blast reported that Odom relocated to the ultimate bachelor pad in California. Of all the areas to choose for his settlement, the former athlete paid for a lavish home in his ex-wife's territory.

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According to the NBA star's manager, the New Yorker signed a one-year lease for a home in The Oaks of Calabasas. The 4,445 square foot property allegedly cost $15k per month and came with various privileges, including a gym, tennis court, and clubhouse.

This move marked the "College Hill: Celebrity Edition" star's first home in California after living in Georgia for about a year. Odom's settlement in Kardashian's neighborhood came at the heels of his joke to sire a child with the entertainer.

The incident occurred after the "Revenge Body" host welcomed a second baby with her ex-boyfriend Tristan Thompson. Following the news, the former basketball player dropped the cheeky comment: "She could have hollered at me for that."

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