Lamar Odom praised after opening addiction treatment centers

Lamar Odom is giving back to his community!

Before leaving the athletic field, the 43-year-old made waves as an NBA star with numerous accolades. During this period, Khloé Kardashian joined reality TV as her first husband.

Despite being a recognized basketball player on the surface, the New York player struggled with substance abuse behind closed doors. After going through a public journey of recovery, Odom is reaching out to people in similar situations.

Lamar Odom Says God Led Him to Create Wellness Centers Years After Scary Overdose

A recent one Instagram post, the former NBA player shared a picture of himself posing next to several people. Thanks to his tags, some of the people in the group shot were identified as Gina Rodriguez (not to be confused with the actress), Karl Mullins Sr., Dennis Martinez and his wife, Priss Martinez.

The names mentioned above were, among others, renowned entrepreneurs who served as partners and employees of the newly launched Odom Wellness Treatment Centers. The people were all smiles for a moment and looked much shorter next to the former basketball player.

Even without a tag, you couldn’t miss the NBA’s sixth man from the crowd. Looking like a New Yorker, she wore a bright smile that matched her colorful patterned hoodie and white pants.

“So blessed,” the 43-year-old began his passionate caption. “Please meet my partners and staff at my new addiction treatment centers @odomwellnesstreatmentcenters in San Diego County!! God saved me so that I could save others.”

For those not in the know, the former Los Angeles Lakers player’s message referred to his near-death experience. In 2015, the media personality overdosed in a Nevada brothel, passed out and suffered health problems.

However, this traumatic ordeal inspired the “Khloé & Lamar” star’s journey to sobriety. Eight years later, Odom’s rehab programs promise to help others struggling with addiction avoid such near-fatal experiences.

Touched by his desire to change lives, fans sang the Parade Player of the Year’s praises in the comments section. Many applauded the former athlete’s humanitarian efforts, while others shared their sobriety stories.

“Yes sir…wow that’s great…Reaching back to help others…hallelujah… #15yearssober,” gushed one fan, urging others to share their confessions. “God always turns a negative into a positive if you believe and seek Him first,” wrote a fellow believer.

“So awesome that you’re using your tragedy to help others,” a third hailed the New York man, while another noted that Odom was saved to save others. One fan wrote beautifully:

“Lamar, it’s all about timing. When God knows you are ready, He will use you for good. I’m so glad you found your purpose. You help a lot of people.”

The positive reactions were heartwarming as these gestures showed the public’s favorable opinion despite the media personality’s dark past. Per The Blast, the 43-year-old spoke candidly about the impact of drugs on his life.

The “Celebrity Big Brother 3” contestant says her addictions were one of the reasons she split from Kardashian. The host regretted hurting the reality TV star with his drug addiction and constant cheating.

Despite his problems, Odom noted that the Good American founder stayed by his side during the darkest days of his drug addiction. The “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” alum also supported her after the former couple ended their relationship.

The “Dancing with the Stars” contestant moved next door to his ex-wife

Last year, The Blast reported that Odom had moved to the bachelor church in California. Among the areas he could choose for his settlement, the former athlete paid for a lavish home in his ex-wife’s area.

The New Yorker has signed a one-year lease on a home in Calabasas Oaks, according to the NBA star’s manager. The 4,445-square-foot property reportedly cost $15,000 a month and came with various perks, including a gym, tennis court and clubhouse.

The move marked the “College Hill: Celebrity Edition” star’s first home in California after living in Georgia for about a year. Odom’s settlement in Kardashian’s neighborhood was created following her prank to have a child with the presenter.

The incident comes after the ‘Revenge Body’ host welcomed her second baby with ex-boyfriend Tristan Thompson. Upon hearing the news, the former basketball player made the cheeky comment: “That’s why he could have yelled at me.”