Love Conquers All: The Ups and Downs of Lamar Odom and Khloé Kardashian

A look at the NBA player's marriage to the reality star.

The Way They Are - Lamar Odom is a talented basketball player who became a household name when he married reality TV star Khloe Kardashian. The Queens native, who was named 2011 Sixth Man of the Year by the NBA, seemed to have it all in front of the cameras, but privately he struggled with drug addiction and other demons. Thankfully, Odom woke up from a coma after an overdose at a Nevada brothel, and his estranged wife, Khloe, was by his side the whole time. Here's a look back at the ups and downs of their romance. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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The Way They Are - Lamar Odom is a talented basketball player who became a household name when he married reality TV star Khloe Kardashian. The Queens native, who was named 2011 Sixth Man of the Year by the NBA, seemed to have it all in front of the cameras, but privately he struggled with drug addiction and other demons. Thankfully, Odom woke up from a coma after an overdose at a Nevada brothel, and his estranged wife, Khloe, was by his side the whole time. Here's a look back at the ups and downs of their romance. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Love at First Sight - Khloe and Lamar meet at a party in August 2009. “I did not like Lamar, I hated him,” Khloe told Ryan Seacrest later. “[I was like] this guy was, ‘Ugh, you’re a basketball player, you’re typical, you’re annoying.” Khloe obviously changed her mind and went on a date with the Lakers' player later that month. “They’re very, very happy,” sister Kim said at the time. “They’ve been together a few weeks, and are literally inseparable. Khloe thinks he’s amazing and [he] makes her laugh and smile constantly.” (Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

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Love at First Sight - Khloe and Lamar meet at a party in August 2009. “I did not like Lamar, I hated him,” Khloe told Ryan Seacrest later. “[I was like] this guy was, ‘Ugh, you’re a basketball player, you’re typical, you’re annoying.” Khloe obviously changed her mind and went on a date with the Lakers' player later that month. “They’re very, very happy,” sister Kim said at the time. “They’ve been together a few weeks, and are literally inseparable. Khloe thinks he’s amazing and [he] makes her laugh and smile constantly.” (Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Wedding Bells - Khloe announced her engagement on her blog after Lamar proposed with a massive 9-carat diamond ring. Despite dating for less than a month, the couple decided to marry before Lamar went to basketball training with the Lakers. "It was totally unexpected. Lamar is one of the sweetest, most compassionate guys I know,” Khloe's sister Kim Kardashian said at the time. The couple tied the knot on September 27, 2009, in front of 250 guests. Sisters Kim and a pregnant Kourtney were maids of honor. The extravaganza (and accompanying drama) was shown in an episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians.(Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

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Wedding Bells - Khloe announced her engagement on her blog after Lamar proposed with a massive 9-carat diamond ring. Despite dating for less than a month, the couple decided to marry before Lamar went to basketball training with the Lakers. "It was totally unexpected. Lamar is one of the sweetest, most compassionate guys I know,” Khloe's sister Kim Kardashian said at the time. The couple tied the knot on September 27, 2009, in front of 250 guests. Sisters Kim and a pregnant Kourtney were maids of honor. The extravaganza (and accompanying drama) was shown in an episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians.(Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Surreality - In April 10, 2011, E! debuted it’s third spin-off show from Keeping Up With the Kardashians, centered around Khloe and Lamar's relationship. The show ran for two seasons after it was abruptly canceled, a move that was rumored to be Lamar’s decision because he wanted to focus on his career after parting ways with the Dallas Mavericks.  (Photo: Jason LaVeris/Getty Images)

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Surreality - In April 10, 2011, E! debuted it’s third spin-off show from Keeping Up With the Kardashians, centered around Khloe and Lamar's relationship. The show ran for two seasons after it was abruptly canceled, a move that was rumored to be Lamar’s decision because he wanted to focus on his career after parting ways with the Dallas Mavericks.  (Photo: Jason LaVeris/Getty Images)

Baby Blues - They may have appeared to have the perfect marriage, but the couple have been remarkably upfront about their struggles to conceive. In an interview with Redbook in 2013, Khloe revealed, “I was 26 when that started, and I admit, I didn’t know a lot about my body. It was hard for me to understand what was happening because my mom had six kids, and Kourtney got pregnant quickly. People assume I’m desperate for a baby. And yes, I would love to have a baby. But I’m 28, and I’ve been married three and a half years. I love my life, but it doesn’t feel incomplete right now.”  (Photo: Denise Truscello/WireImage)

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Baby Blues - They may have appeared to have the perfect marriage, but the couple have been remarkably upfront about their struggles to conceive. In an interview with Redbook in 2013, Khloe revealed, “I was 26 when that started, and I admit, I didn’t know a lot about my body. It was hard for me to understand what was happening because my mom had six kids, and Kourtney got pregnant quickly. People assume I’m desperate for a baby. And yes, I would love to have a baby. But I’m 28, and I’ve been married three and a half years. I love my life, but it doesn’t feel incomplete right now.”  (Photo: Denise Truscello/WireImage)

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Double Tragedy - In July 2011, Lamar was in New York for his cousin’s funeral. The already sad visit took a turn for the worse when his driver accidentally struck a 15-year-old boy on a motorcycle. The boy died one day later. Lamar, reportedly distraught over the accident, tweeted about the tragic accident, “Thank you for your support and prayers. My thoughts and prayers are with the young boy's family.” Khloe was by his side during this troubling time. (Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

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Double Tragedy - In July 2011, Lamar was in New York for his cousin’s funeral. The already sad visit took a turn for the worse when his driver accidentally struck a 15-year-old boy on a motorcycle. The boy died one day later. Lamar, reportedly distraught over the accident, tweeted about the tragic accident, “Thank you for your support and prayers. My thoughts and prayers are with the young boy's family.” Khloe was by his side during this troubling time. (Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Basketball Life - In December 11, 2011, Lamar Odom was traded to the Dallas Mavericks after seven years with the Los Angeles Lakers, the result of a complicated three-team trade deal which left Odom feeling “disrespected” by the Lakers. Khloe tweeted her support, “I know for a fact blessings are everywhere!!! Everything happens for a reason. God is great.” But it seems God didn't intend for Odom to be a Maverick. In April 2012, Odom and the Dallas team parted ways. In a statement to ESPN, Lamar spoke out about his move, “I'm sorry that things didn't work out better for both of us, but I wish the Mavs' organization, my teammates and Dallas fans nothing but continued success in the defense of their championship.” Sadly, that seemed to be the beginning of the end of Odom's NBA career.  (Photo: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

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Basketball Life - In December 11, 2011, Lamar Odom was traded to the Dallas Mavericks after seven years with the Los Angeles Lakers, the result of a complicated three-team trade deal which left Odom feeling “disrespected” by the Lakers. Khloe tweeted her support, “I know for a fact blessings are everywhere!!! Everything happens for a reason. God is great.” But it seems God didn't intend for Odom to be a Maverick. In April 2012, Odom and the Dallas team parted ways. In a statement to ESPN, Lamar spoke out about his move, “I'm sorry that things didn't work out better for both of us, but I wish the Mavs' organization, my teammates and Dallas fans nothing but continued success in the defense of their championship.” Sadly, that seemed to be the beginning of the end of Odom's NBA career.  (Photo: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

Destructive Tendencies - Rumors of infidelity and drug use started circling Lamar in the summer of 2013. That November, a video leaked of Odom rapping with friend Jamie Sangouthai, admitting he had cheated on his wife with multiple women. Odom appears shirtless and under the influence, slurring most of his words. Sources close to Khloe described the video as a "slap in the face" from which friends doubted their marriage could recover.  (Photo: Larry Busacca/E/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images for E!)

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Destructive Tendencies - Rumors of infidelity and drug use started circling Lamar in the summer of 2013. That November, a video leaked of Odom rapping with friend Jamie Sangouthai, admitting he had cheated on his wife with multiple women. Odom appears shirtless and under the influence, slurring most of his words. Sources close to Khloe described the video as a "slap in the face" from which friends doubted their marriage could recover.  (Photo: Larry Busacca/E/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images for E!)

Three Dark Days - On August 25, 2013, it was reported that Odom had been missing for three days and no one had been able to contact him. His family and friends were naturally concerned about the recovering addict, who seemed to be on a downward spiral despite being in and out of rehab all year. Still, Khloe maintained a brave front. She tweeted, “Really hard to sit here and listen to people talk s**t about my family! F**k you and shame on you! I'm too protective for this shit!” It was later reported that he was not missing, and that his wife "knew exactly" where he was. (Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Race to Erase MS)

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Three Dark Days - On August 25, 2013, it was reported that Odom had been missing for three days and no one had been able to contact him. His family and friends were naturally concerned about the recovering addict, who seemed to be on a downward spiral despite being in and out of rehab all year. Still, Khloe maintained a brave front. She tweeted, “Really hard to sit here and listen to people talk s**t about my family! F**k you and shame on you! I'm too protective for this shit!” It was later reported that he was not missing, and that his wife "knew exactly" where he was. (Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Race to Erase MS)

D-Day - After many months of speculation, the couple's marriage finally ended. Khloe filed for divorce after four years of marriage on December 13, 2013, citing irreconcilable differences. Lamar Odom held out hopes for a reconciliation, saying, "I love my wife. She'll always be my wife, no matter what, Who knows? We don't know exactly if [the divorce is going through]. Only time will tell. I hope not. But even if we were divorced, she would always be my wife."  (Photo: GVK/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images)

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D-Day - After many months of speculation, the couple's marriage finally ended. Khloe filed for divorce after four years of marriage on December 13, 2013, citing irreconcilable differences. Lamar Odom held out hopes for a reconciliation, saying, "I love my wife. She'll always be my wife, no matter what, Who knows? We don't know exactly if [the divorce is going through]. Only time will tell. I hope not. But even if we were divorced, she would always be my wife."  (Photo: GVK/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images)

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End of His Hoop Dreams - Odom’s basketball career never recovered after he left the Mavericks. In June 2012, Odom was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, but was not asked to return the following season. He had a month-long stint in 2014 for Laboral Kutxa of the Spanish ACB League when a back injury that prevented him from continuing his two-month deal. He signed on with the New York Knicks for the remainder of the 2013-2014 season but played only one game, and was not asked back. (Photo: GVK/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images) 

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End of His Hoop Dreams - Odom’s basketball career never recovered after he left the Mavericks. In June 2012, Odom was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, but was not asked to return the following season. He had a month-long stint in 2014 for Laboral Kutxa of the Spanish ACB League when a back injury that prevented him from continuing his two-month deal. He signed on with the New York Knicks for the remainder of the 2013-2014 season but played only one game, and was not asked back. (Photo: GVK/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images) 

Crossroads - Lamar Odom’s best friend Jamie Sangouthai died on June 14, 2015, due to an overdose and the side effects of a dirty needle. Jamie had been battling drug addiction for months and unfortunately many were not surprised by his demise. He was regularly seen on Khloe and Lamar’s reality show. Khloe tweeted, “When does it stop? RIP Jamie Sangouthai.” Days after Jamie’s death, Lamar lost another close friend, Bobby Heyward, to an overdose. Losing two of his oldest friends within a week took a major toll on Odom. (Photo: GONZALO/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images)

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Crossroads - Lamar Odom’s best friend Jamie Sangouthai died on June 14, 2015, due to an overdose and the side effects of a dirty needle. Jamie had been battling drug addiction for months and unfortunately many were not surprised by his demise. He was regularly seen on Khloe and Lamar’s reality show. Khloe tweeted, “When does it stop? RIP Jamie Sangouthai.” Days after Jamie’s death, Lamar lost another close friend, Bobby Heyward, to an overdose. Losing two of his oldest friends within a week took a major toll on Odom. (Photo: GONZALO/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images)

Officially Single - Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom’s divorce was reportedly finalized on July 21, 2015, two years after its filing. On August 12, 2015, it was reported that Lamar Odom ambushed Khloe Kardashian in front of a SoulCycle in Beverly Hills. Eyewitnesses reported that Lamar wished to speak to Khloe and even attempted to grab her. Odom responded to TMZ on the situation, “Nobody got followed, nobody got hassled, nobody got harassed, nobody got grabbed on. None of that. None of that happened.” Still, his demeanor in the video raised concerns from his friends and fans.

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Officially Single - Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom’s divorce was reportedly finalized on July 21, 2015, two years after its filing. On August 12, 2015, it was reported that Lamar Odom ambushed Khloe Kardashian in front of a SoulCycle in Beverly Hills. Eyewitnesses reported that Lamar wished to speak to Khloe and even attempted to grab her. Odom responded to TMZ on the situation, “Nobody got followed, nobody got hassled, nobody got harassed, nobody got grabbed on. None of that. None of that happened.” Still, his demeanor in the video raised concerns from his friends and fans.

Miracles Happen - On October 13, 2015, Lamar Odom was found unconscious after a drug overdose at the Love Ranch South brothel in Crystal, Nevada. He was stabilized and rushed to a nearby hospital in Las Vegas. Khloe flew to the hospital along with her sister Kim Kardashian and her mother, Kris Jenner. His longtime friend and fellow teammate Kobe Bryant also rushed to his bedside. On October 16, Lamar woke up from his coma with Khloe by his side. The former NBA player is slowly improving and it looks like Khloe has no plans to leave his side.   

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Miracles Happen - On October 13, 2015, Lamar Odom was found unconscious after a drug overdose at the Love Ranch South brothel in Crystal, Nevada. He was stabilized and rushed to a nearby hospital in Las Vegas. Khloe flew to the hospital along with her sister Kim Kardashian and her mother, Kris Jenner. His longtime friend and fellow teammate Kobe Bryant also rushed to his bedside. On October 16, Lamar woke up from his coma with Khloe by his side. The former NBA player is slowly improving and it looks like Khloe has no plans to leave his side.