Netflix’s latest episode of the sports docuseries *Untold* focuses on the life of former NBA player Lamar Odom, featuring an intimate interview with his ex-fiancée, Liza Morales. This new episode underscores their complicated relationship, including the tragic loss of their infant son, Odom’s tumultuous marriage to Khloé Kardashian, and his battle with addiction that culminated in a near-fatal overdose in 2015.
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Scheduled to premiere on March 31, *Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom* undertakes a deep dive into Odom’s journey, offering viewers a glimpse into the personal struggles he faced both on and off the basketball court. Morales, a prominent figure in the narrative, describes her complex history with Odom, expressing that despite their parted ways, they will “always be family.”
Morales and Odom first crossed paths as teenagers in Queens, New York. Their relationship quickly transitioned from innocent high school flirtations to serious commitments, with Odom proposing when Morales was only 20 years old. The couple had their first child, Destiny, in 1998, followed by a son, Lamar Jr., in 2002. As Odom’s career progressed in the NBA, he was drafted into the league in the late 1990s, but the rise to stardom was not as smooth as it appeared.
The challenges of fame became apparent when Odom faced disciplinary actions during his tenure with the LA Clippers, including suspensions due to multiple failed drug tests. Morales described their relationship during these years as tumultuous, marked by a continuous cycle of ups and downs. “We were always kind of on and off, trying to figure things out,” she noted, indicating the strain that fame placed on their family life.
The couple’s world was turned upside down on June 29, 2006, when their six-month-old son, Jayden, tragically passed away due to sudden infant death syndrome while visiting family in New York. Morales recalled the day with heart-wrenching clarity, saying, “I’m the one who found him. Even now, I can still see it. That never leaves you.” The profound grief from this loss dramatically altered their lives, with Morales seeking solace in therapy and family, while Odom struggled internally, leading to increased substance use.
The differing ways they coped with the loss of their son resulted in a chasm building between them, and eventually, they parted ways. Relying on faith and support from loved ones, Morales worked to heal, while Odom’s battles with addiction escalated over the years. Reports of Odom’s serious drug issues came to light, culminating in a high-profile overdose in October 2015 while he was at a brothel in Nevada.
Morales recounted receiving the shocking news via text message, linking to a news report. The sudden public attention was overwhelming. “I did feel shame. I was really embarrassed because our family pain was, ‘the whole world knows now,’” she admitted. Odom suffered severe medical repercussions from the overdose, experiencing numerous strokes and heart attacks. Regardless of their separation, Morales stood by him during his recovery, urging their children to share their messages of love and forgiveness as he fought for his life.
Despite the harsh realities of the recovery journey—Odom facing relapses and further struggles, including a recent DUI arrest—Morales has focused on promoting peace for their family. “It’s going to be a fight every day,” she reflected, acknowledging the ongoing challenges Odom encounters in his quest for sobriety.
Over the years, Morales has emphasised forgiveness as a crucial element of their relationship moving forward. “We’ve come a long way,” she stated, noting that while they are not best friends, a sense of understanding and goodwill remains. Their journey together, while fraught with difficulties, has imparted lasting wisdom, reflecting that both Odom and Morales have emerged with a sense of purpose.
Looking back, Morales views her time with Odom not as a story left unfinished but rather a chapter that has profoundly shaped her life. “That part of our journey just wasn’t meant to be, but I still love him,” she said, encapsulating a sentiment of acceptance and growth.
*Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom* will be available for streaming on Netflix, shedding light on the intricate matters of life, loss, and the continuing fight against addiction. For anyone grappling with substance abuse issues, help is available through support resources, including the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.