Lamar Odom enters rehab following DUI arrest: Former NBA star says he's 'getting help'

Former Clippers, Heat and Lakers standout Lamar Odom found himself in the news again earlier this month, albeit for sub-optimal reasons.

Odom, 46, was arrested a little more than a week ago under the suspicion of driving under the influence. Now, he's reportedly planning on entering into rehab for the first time in years.

Odom's arrest wasn't related to alcohol or narcotics. Still, he's hoping to let go of a substance that he said helped him markedly in his attempt to wean himself off of harder drugs in the past -- marijuana.

Here's the latest on Odom's impending stint in rehab.

Why is Lamar Odom entering rehab?

Odom checked into rehab in the hopes of kicking his marijuana addiction. The two-time NBA champion believes his propensity for weed could push him towards hard drugs again, his manager, Gina Rodriguez, told TMZ Sports.

Odom's decision comes a little more than a week after he was arrested for driving under the influence in Las Vegas. Odom told TMZ Sports that he was not under the influence of alcohol or narcotics at the time of his arrest. TMZ Sports reported that Odom had "bloodshot, watery eyes" and his car "reeked of weed" upon his seizure.

Lamar Odom DUI arrest

Odom was arrested for driving under the influence on Saturday, Jan. 17. Around 2 a.m. PT, Las Vegas police stopped Odom, who they say changed lanes without using turn signals and used turn signal without changing lanes, per TMZ Sports.

TMZ Sports reported that officers were greeted with an "overwhelming odor of marijuana emanating" from Odom's vehicle when he was stopped. When asked whether he smoked marijuana recently, Odom indicated it was his passenger who was responsible for the scent.

Odom denied being under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. He told officers he smoked hours before his arrest. Odom reportedly showed signs of impairment during the field sobriety test. He was subsequently handed three charges -- driving under the influence, driving more than 41 mph over the speed limit and improper lane change/failure to maintain lane.

Odom addressed his arrest in a statement released to TMZ Sports on Jan. 20.

"I am learning from this experience and remain committed to my continued growth," Odom said. "I've worked hard to rebuild my life, and taking responsibility is an essential part of that process."

"I am cooperating fully, staying honest, and focused on moving forward with integrity. Thank you to those who continue to support me."

Has Lamar Odom been in rehab before?

Odom has underwent addiction therapy in the past, checking into a rehab facility after suffering a stroke that resulted in brain damage in 2015. The stroke was allegedly brought on after he overdosed on cocaine and other drugs during a three-day stay at a Las Vegas brothel.

Odom recovered well from the ordeal, even purchasing three drug rehab clinics in 2023. He also founded a cannabis brand, Rich Soil Organics, which aims at cultivating "organically grown, pesticide-free cannabis.” Odom cited marijuana as one of the primary tools he used to kick his addiction to harder drugs.

“While going through rehab, I discovered certain strains that support wellness,” Odom said, per Essence. "It’s a perfect time to offer these cannabis solutions to the public who may be going through similar body issues as I am.” 

Lamar Odom arrest history

Odom's first arrest came in 1997. He was cited for attempting to solicit an act of prostitution as a 17-year old, a charge that prompted UNLV to revoke his scholarship offer.

In 2013, Odom pleaded no contest to DUI charges related to an earlier arrest that saw him refuse to take a chemical test. He was summarily sentenced to three years' probation and three months of alcohol abuse treatment.