Lamar Odom's Rehab Stint Inspired by a Visit With His Friend in Prison

Lamar Odom's decision to attend rehab was inspired by a visit with his friend in prison

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Complex Original

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Lamar Odom has checked himself into rehab earlier this month after ongoing trouble maintaining sobriety following his health scare nearly a year ago, during which the former Los Angeles Lakers forward was rushed to the hospital after overdosing in a Nevada brothel. His teammates from his playing career and members of the larger NBA family all expressed concern for his life. Khloe Kardashian, his wife at that time, rushed to be at his side while he recovered.

TMZ reports that his decision to seek help stems from a conversation with his childhood friend William Gregory at a Delaware prison. The two friends discussed everything that had been going on in the NBA star’s life. Topics like Odom’s divorce from Kardashian and the loss of his career all came up during the 45-minute talk. Like a true friend, Gregory told the 37-year-old that he needed to take control of his own life in order to regain his form completely.

Odom’s friend is serving a 26-year sentence for attempted murder. Their conversation inspired the former Sixth Man of the Year so much that he checked into rehab shortly after reconnecting with his friend. His divorce from the reality television star was made official Friday and he explained that his episode at the brothel was in response to personal turmoil.

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