Lamar Odom, the renowned former NBA star, has recently shed light on his turbulent journey through addiction and personal loss in his documentary, “Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom.” Throughout the film, Odom reflects on his life, including his relationships with his three children, revealing the complexities of fatherhood intertwined with his battles.
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Odom, who carved his name in basketball history as a prominent player for the Los Angeles Lakers, has three children with his ex-partner, Liza Morales. They welcomed their first child, Destiny, in 1998, followed by son Lamar Jr. in 2002. Tragically, their youngest son Jayden was born in 2005 but succumbed to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) at just six and a half months old.
In the documentary, Morales reminisces about their life while raising Destiny. She recalls that they were merely in their late teens, trying to balance a growing family while Odom pursued his basketball career. She acknowledges that Odom’s ambition often kept him from being the fully present father she had hoped for, leading to substantial distractions and external pressures.
Odom’s NBA career kicked off in 1999 when he was selected as the fourth overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers. His rise to fame came with life-changing moves to Los Angeles and the responsibility of fatherhood. Yet, the joy they experienced as a family was marred by tragedy—a heartbreak worsened by Jayden’s untimely demise in 2006, which contributed to the eventual dissolution of Odom and Morales’ relationship.
Today, Odom is working towards recovery after a life-threatening overdose in 2015. Although his journey remains challenging, he has managed to reconnect with his children and publicly acknowledges their role in keeping him grounded and sober. In a heartfelt moment on “The View” in 2019, he stated, “I live for my children,” emphasising their significance in his life.
Their daughter, Destiny, was born on August 6, 1998. Having appeared alongside her father on reality shows such as “Khloé & Lamar” and “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” she has experienced the dual pressures of fame and family hardship. Destiny has openly discussed the effect her father’s marriage to Khloé Kardashian had on their family dynamic. She described her feelings of discomfort when her father’s addiction issues became public, which transformed their family life into a spectacle followed by both fans and tabloids.
In the documentary, she recounts the pain of feeling abandoned at times due to her father’s struggles. Destiny shares a poignant memory of confronting Odom in the hospital following his overdose, admonishing him to recognise the importance of their future memories together. This moment paved the way for an intervention orchestrated with her brother, which ultimately emphasised the seriousness of their father’s situation.
Lamar Odom Jr., affectionately known as LJ, was born in 2002 and has also witnessed the complexities of having a father who gained fame and battled addiction. He too appeared on the family’s reality shows and has since shifted his focus toward assisting his father in business endeavours, such as the Odom Recovery Group. In the documentary, he reflects on the disappointment he felt during key moments, such as when his father was missing during celebratory events due to partying.
Although Odom’s battle has been arduous for the entire family, there have been signs of reconciliation and growth. In an Instagram tribute marking his father’s birthday in 2025, LJ expressed pride in their familial bond, acknowledging the resilience they have developed as a unit.
The documentary also touches on Jayden, the youngest child, whose life was cut short tragically. The painful recollections of his passing are shared candidly by both Odom and Morales, illustrating the unmeasurable grief they endured. Liza vividly recounts the moment she found Jayden in his crib and the overwhelming rush of emotions that followed. She reflected on cherished memories of him, reiterating the profound impact his loss has had on their family.
Lamar’s devastation was compounded as he navigated the painful aftermath of Jayden’s death while battling his longstanding substance abuse issues. He has since expressed how both his children have been sources of strength throughout his recovery, particularly during the challenging anniversaries surrounding the loss of their little brother.
As Odom forges his path forward, he continues to show gratitude for his children, celebrating small victories together and reclaiming their familial bonds. Through his documentary, he not only shares his struggles but also pays tribute to the resilience of family connections that help him heal from his past.