Lamar Odom checks into rehab after a Las Vegas DUI arrest and turns a personal crisis into a bid for lasting recovery
- Jan 28
- 4 min read
28 January 2026
Lamar Odom, the former NBA champion whose life has often seemed as dramatic off the court as it was thrilling on it, has quietly checked himself into a 30-day rehabilitation program in Los Angeles following a troubling run-in with the law earlier this year. Odom, 46, was arrested in Las Vegas on January 17 and charged with driving under the influence along with two traffic violations after police stopped him for speeding and improper lane changes and detected the smell of marijuana in his vehicle. In the weeks since that incident, the retired Lakers star has taken a significant step in his long and often difficult journey with substance use by voluntarily entering a structured treatment facility in an effort to address underlying issues and focus on his health in a proactive, holistic way.
According to Odom’s manager, Gina Rodriguez, the decision to pursue treatment at the iRely Recovery center was entirely his own, and it reflects a conscious choice to take responsibility for his well-being. In a statement shared with several outlets, Rodriguez said that after reflecting on recent events, Odom recognized the need to confront triggers and patterns that could lead him back into more dangerous behaviors if left unchecked. Her words stressed that Odom is committed to a healthier future and grateful for the support he has received from friends, family and fans as he works to move forward.
The iRely Recovery program where Odom is staying in Los Angeles is known for its emphasis on comprehensive care encompassing physical, emotional and spiritual health. Participants in such programs may receive medically assisted detox when necessary, undergo individual and group therapy, and develop personalized aftercare plans designed to support long-term recovery. For Odom, this represents another chapter in a life story marked by both remarkable athletic achievements and deeply personal struggles.
Odom’s public battle with substance use is not new. During his 15-year NBA career, which included two championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, he was known for his talent, physical prowess and versatility on the court. Yet behind the scenes, he faced challenges that would follow him long after he retired from professional basketball. In 2013, he was arrested on similar DUI charges in California and subsequently entered rehab and probation as part of his sentence. Two years later, his personal life made national headlines when he suffered a near-fatal overdose in a Las Vegas brothel, an incident that left him critically injured and on life support. He later recounted that his heart stopped on multiple occasions and that he endured serious health consequences, a stark reminder of how deeply addiction had affected him.
That 2015 episode, which he candidly wrote about in his memoir and discussed in interviews, was a turning point that forced Odom to confront the impact of drugs and alcohol on his life. While he has spoken in the past about progress in his recovery and the role of treatment and therapy, the path has not been linear. Like many individuals facing substance use challenges, relapses and difficult moments have tested his resolve, highlighting just how complex and enduring recovery can be.
The recent DUI arrest in Las Vegas came as a jolt to many who have followed his journey. Police described stopping Odom for driving more than 40 miles per hour over the speed limit and making an improper lane change. Authorities noted signs of impairment during field sobriety tests, and the smell of marijuana led to questions about recent use. In the aftermath, Odom’s decision to enter rehab rather than wait for legal consequences reflects a shift in focus toward his long-term health rather than short-term reactions.
For Odom, entering a formal program at this point in his life may serve multiple purposes. Beyond addressing marijuana use, his management and allies have suggested that confronting the substance use now may help reduce the risk of escalation or relapse into harder drugs, a fear informed by past experiences. It also represents a public acknowledgment that wellness and recovery are ongoing efforts that require not only personal reflection but professional support, something that many people who struggle with addiction eventually come to recognize.
As news of his rehab entry spread, reactions from fans and observers were a mix of concern, support and hope, reflecting the complicated public relationship with celebrities who struggle publicly with personal issues. Many expressed admiration for Odom’s willingness to seek help and framed his decision as a courageous step that could inspire others facing similar battles. Others acknowledged the continual nature of recovery and the fact that setbacks do not erase progress when someone is genuinely committed to change.
Though he will appear in a Nevada court in March in connection with the DUI charge, the focus for now remains on Odom’s health. Taking this time in a structured environment may offer him tools and strategies to manage triggers and stressors, build resilience and strengthen his support network as he aims to live a healthier, more grounded life. His ongoing journey underscores the sometimes painful but ultimately human struggle behind headlines, reminding the public that even those who have achieved fame and success are not immune to profound personal challenges.
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