Lamar Odom had the support and prayers from his children during his near-death experience in 2015. It was these well wishes that the celebrity father’s daughter, Destiny, believes brought him through the tumultuous time.
“It was a school night when I found out,” the 18-year-old says of her feelings upon hearing of her father’s unconscious state. “We all thought that he was, that this was it for him and he was going to pass away. But, life is so crazy,” she adds.
Destiny joined her brother and mother, Liza Morales, at the hospital upon hearing of her father’s condition. Lamar’s family talked with him for several hours and said a prayer for his recovery.
“The next morning he was ripping tubes out of his mouth and I don’t really think that’s a coincidence,” Destiny says. “I don’t really think that’s a coincidence. I think he was meant to be here because of me and my brother. It sounds like a cheesy movie, but I think that everything happens for a reason.”
Lamar Odom fell into an unconscious state at a Nevada brothel after overdosing on drugs in October 2015. The life-threatening event came several months after the former NBA star was released from the Association as a result of his addiction to cocaine. Odom’s substance abuse came to light in 2001 when he failed two drug tests while playing for the Los Angeles Clippers. Things spiraled out of control for the ball player after his and then-wife Liza Morales’ youngest son, Jayden, died of SIDS.
Odom’s substance abuse came to light in 2001 when he failed two drug tests while playing for the Los Angeles Clippers. Things spiraled out of control for the ball player after his and then-wife Liza Morales’ youngest son, Jayden, died of SIDS in 2006.
“There was a lot of denial,” Liza tells PEOPLE. “When it comes to an addict, you cannot force them to get help, you cannot want it more than them. Back then we wanted it more than him.”
Lamar’s desire to leave a life of substance abuse came after his recovery from 2015’s health scare. It was then that Destiny and her brother, Lamar Jr., gave their father a final offer. “I basically gave him the ultimatum that it was rehab or me not speaking to him anymore,” Destiny shares. Lamar took the option of rehab and has been living a clean life ever since.
“When your parent is an addict and they get clean it’s like a whole new world,” Destiny says. “A whole new person, really,” she adds. “It’s crazy what therapy and rehab can do to a person.”
Photo: People.com
