I really feel for Lamar Odom. The one constant in his life is tragedy. Mother died of cancer, grandmother died early, his child died of SIDS, his nephew died as a small child, and when leaving that funeral, his limo struck a cyclist who hit someone else and that person died. So, no secret, he's been strung out on drugs the past few years. Now his best friend has died of a flesh eating disease caused by intravenous needle use. (Really hope Lamar didn't share needles with him). After the L.A. County Coroner's Office confirmed what caused the death of Lamar Odom's best friend, Jamie Sangouthai, a source says that the former NBA player is even more distraught. The coroner's office confirmed on Thursday that Sangouthai died from a flesh-eating bacterial skin infection (necrotizing faciitis), as well as IV drug abuse. "Lamar just found out the results and is even more devastated." "Because he didn't know Jamie was suffering so much and using needles." Odom visited Sangouthai’s grieving mother, Christine, on Wednesday, June 17. Sangouthai had known Odom for years, and even appeared on the 2011 spinoff series, Khloe & Lamar. A source told Us earlier this week that Odom has been "beside himself" with grief. "He feels like it could have happened to him," a source said of the former NBA pro, who has battled with his own substance abuse issues. "He feels like it could have happened to him. This is a huge wake-up call for him. It has really shaken him." As of Wednesday, June 17, Sangouthai's body was still located on the West Coast. His former classmates from Christ the King High School in Queens, N.Y., started a GoFundMe page to help his mother bring him home and help lay him to rest. "As most of you know, our good friend and CK classmate has passed away," two old friends wrote in the fundraising plea. "Jamie Sangouthai will be missed by so many. Unfortunately, there aren't enough funds to bring him home. I spoke to his childhood friend Leo [Penizzotto] and we are doing a fundraiser to help his mom give him a proper burial." An insider tells Us that it’s true Odom didn’t offer to pay for any of the costs related to flying his friend back to New York or the burial. “It’s very expensive and he’s not in a position to do that,” the source says.
I've wondered how Odom's been. Supported the man as a Laker and wished nothing but good blessings for him off the court. I hope this incident doesn't push him down and that he has family support when he has those dark times. He will always be special for slapping Garnett's behind...
Ive never known, read or seen anyone have so much tragedy/loss of close ones in their life than Lamar Odom. I not only wish him the best, will keep him in my prayers, but wish him peace during these difficult days.
perhaps most troubling is that he's not in a position to help pay for the transition of the body. that's a lot of cash he's gone through. odom was one of my favorite players, starting in college, and he always seemed like a pretty good dude off the floor. addiction is a b****.
I'd love if we brought him back here in some respect. I'd love if we gave him a job or something. Give him a purpose again and make him feel loved and appreciated again. If he were around our organization, I feel like he'd feel more at home again. I know we screwed him up a little with that trade, but we can make up for it now.
The thought ran through my head... When Odom's personal affairs was in full dive, this "best friend" was probably at the forefront. I do hope he sees this and remains on the straight path. By all accounts, Odom is a good guy, just gets involved with hangers on who doesn't have his best interest. He'll always be a Laker...even said so filming a Clipper promo.
I just hope things don't end tragically for Lamar himself. Like John said, tragedy has been a constant in his life, and he's disappeared from the spotlight, who knows how bad things are for him right now. I hope he comes out of all this ok in the end, but the last few years, things for him seem to be headed to a bad end. I really hope that isn't how things end up for him.
I feel like we're getting past the helping territory here... also, I'm pretty sure these problems were starting to crop up pre-trade(s).
I don't disagree, but I hate seeing someone we considered a part of the Laker family in this situation.
such a bummer to see lamar in the state he's been in these past few years that trade to dallas really seemed to start the downward spiral for him. i really hope he can find better days
Jeannie has said publicly he's her favorite player / person and she'll get him help and give him a job. Nothing can happen until he asks..... I hope he does before it's too late.
Less than a week after the death of Jamie Sangouthai, Lamar Odom has lost a second close friend to a drug overdose. Bobby Heyward, a producer and writer, died at age 30 on Saturday, June 20. The L.A. County Coroners office confirms that Heyward passed away, but did not confirm an official cause of death. Either Odom gets help, NOW, or he'll be next. These guys aren't addicted to weed or alcohol. They are messing with the really strong stuff (crack and heroin).
What John said. If these aren't punch you in the face and break your nose wakeup calls, Lamar, then nothing will be. https://www.yahoo.com/tv/s/lamar-odoms-friend-bobby-heyward-034600188.html
Last report was that Odom was hanging out in Vegas with boxer Zab Judah and another whose name I can't recall. As crazy as it sounds, Khloe Kardashian was good for him as she established some home life structure and discipline for him...her wacky, bizarre family members notwithstanding.
Damn, poor Lamar. It seems that trade really crushed him mentally. I pray he gets help if needed and turns his life around. Positive Vibes, Lamar. Positive vibes.
Has Lamar already puffed away his millions? damn. I'm kind of sad that a human being can reach this level of stupidity even though he had all the opportunity for an amazing life. Remembers me of guys like Crittenton or Aaron Hernandez and some others. Just plain dumb.
Whoa whoa KB! Hernandez is a murderer, that's a little worse than where Odom is at now. I agree that it's sad but it really reminds me more of Iverson.
