Ex-NBA star Lamar Odom issues stark warning about illicit drugs amid Liam Payne death

Aside from being a former Sixth Man of the Year and multi-time champion, Lamar Odom is most known for his struggles with addiction. The longtime LA Lakers forward recently put out a message regarding a tragic death in the music world.

Last week, the music world was hit hard by the news of Liam Payne's death. Formerly a member of the boy band "One Direction," he reportedly fell off a hotel balcony in Argentina. Payne was 31 years old and was the father of one child.

Among those to share their thoughts about Payne's death was Lamar Odom. He mentioned that the singer could have been hearing voices and that this should be a wake-up call for people in the industry to stay away from drugs.

"You hear the voices in your head," Odom said. "It's hard to escape. Don't do drugs. Don't put anything up in your nose. I hope it's the wake-up call for everyone in the Hollywood industry"

Odom is someone who fully understands a situation like this, as he is a recovering addict himself. Shortly after his NBA career ended, the versatile forward had a near-death experience due to excessive drug use. Years later, Odom continues to walk the road to recovery.

---

Lamar Odom bought a rehab center in hopes of helping others fight addiction

Since overcoming his addiction, Lamar Odom has set out on a journey to help those going through the same struggles he had. In April 2023, he put his words into action.

Odom invested in three rehab centers in California, naming them the "Odom Wellness Treatment Centers." The longtime NBA forward plans on being very hands-on with this project in hopes of saving people's lives.

When discussing the venture, one of Lamar Odom's representatives touched on what inspired him. After overcoming his horrific overdose in 2015, Odom wants to dedicate himself to helping others win their fight against addiction and drug use.

"He wants to help everyone he can," Odom's rep said. "He is thankful that he was given a second chance at his life and feels his destiny is to help others."

There have been numerous cases over the years where pro athletes struggled to find their purpose when their career was over. However, that doesn't seem to be the case with Odom. Following a tragic battle with drugs that almost cost him his life, he now aspires to be an inspiration and helping hand to those in need.