Lamar Odom is the epitome of a mid-major college star. After putting up 17.6 points per game for Rhode Island in the 1998/99 NCAA season, Odom was selected fourth overall in the 1999 NBA Draft. He spent four years with the LA Clippers but was cut after injury derail his third and fourth seasons. After a year in Miami, he was traded to the Lakers. He would eventually retire in 2014.
Since leaving the NBA, Odom has devoted his time to God and helping others. He owns and operates three substance abuse rehabilitation centers in Southern California. Having faced with own battle with substance abuse, Odom is now looking to help people in the same situation. And now he's making headlines in the case of former Jackass star Bam Margera.
Lamar Odom Wants To Help Bam Margera
Bam Margera's issues with substance abuse, specifically alcohol, have been public for many years. As recently as March 2023, he was arrested for public intoxication. However, Margera re-entered the news recently after triggering a police manhunt. Police in Pennsylvania were called to a property in Pocopson after Bam reportedly assaulted his brother and threatened to kill him. Margera turned himself in after four days on the run. He has been charged with simple assault, harassment, and terroristic threats. Margera has maintained his innocent in all charges against him. Now Odom is offering help to the former MTV star. Speaking with TMZ, Odom said he would be happy to invite Margera to one of his rehab facilities free of charge.
Odom is no stranger to substance abuse problems, having famously overdosed in a Nevada brothel in 2015. That is the incident that inspired him to get clean and help others on their own journey. "All he has to do is show up," Odom said when asked if he would be willing to help Margera, "Only if he wants it though, that's the most important part," Odom continued. He concluded by saying that he loved Margera and that he should "stay strong". It remains to be if Margera will accept the offer. It was reportedly a rehab plan that led to the confrontation between Margera and his brother last week. However, Odom has made it clear that he wants to help.
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