NBA Star’s Dangerous 100 mph DUI Drama

Former NBA champion Lamar Odom faces DUI charges after Nevada Highway Patrol clocked him exceeding 100 mph on a Las Vegas interstate, marking yet another troubling chapter in the celebrity athlete’s long battle with substance abuse.

Story Snapshot

Odom arrested January 17, 2026, driving 100+ mph on I-15 near Las Vegas airport with marijuana odor detected
Failed field sobriety tests and faces misdemeanor DUI plus traffic violations with arraignment set for March 17
First DUI charge since 2013 California arrest, occurring at same Nevada location as his near-fatal 2015 overdose
Released on bail from Clark County jail; no statements from Odom or his representatives following arrest

Dangerous Speed and Impairment Evidence

Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Shawn Haggstrom spotted Odom’s black SUV traveling northbound on Interstate 15 near Harry Reid International Airport at approximately 2:18 a.m. on January 17, 2026. The former Lakers star was clocked driving over 100 miles per hour, exceeding posted speed limits by more than 41 mph while failing to maintain his travel lane. Upon pulling Odom over, the trooper detected a strong marijuana odor and observed the 46-year-old fail multiple field sobriety tests, raising serious public safety concerns about impaired drivers endangering innocent families on our roadways.

Troubling Pattern of Addiction Struggles

This arrest represents Odom’s first DUI charge since a 2013 incident in Los Angeles that resulted in three years probation, a three-month alcohol program, and $1,800 in fines. The location of this latest arrest carries particular significance, occurring in the same state where Odom nearly died in 2015 after overdosing at a Nevada brothel, an incident that left him in a coma for days. During the arrest, Odom reportedly referenced his medical history to officers, mentioning previous strokes, heart attacks, and what he described as poisoning at the brothel, highlighting the severe physical toll his lifestyle choices have inflicted.

Authorities booked Odom into Clark County jail on charges of misdemeanor DUI, excessive speeding, and failure to maintain a travel lane. He was released on bail by January 20, 2026, with formal charges filed in local justice court. Nevada DUI laws carry strict penalties including potential license suspension, substantial fines, and mandatory rehabilitation programs for first-time offenders. The case remains active with Odom scheduled for arraignment on March 17, 2026, where he will enter a plea and face judicial oversight regarding bail conditions and case scheduling.

Celebrity Accountability and Public Safety

Odom’s behavior demonstrates a disturbing disregard for public safety and the rule of law that should apply equally to celebrities and everyday Americans. The two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, who also played for the Clippers, Heat, and Mavericks during his 14-season career, has documented his addiction struggles in his 2019 memoir “Darkness to Light” and numerous interviews. Yet despite public awareness of his challenges, he chose to get behind the wheel while impaired, traveling at speeds that could have killed innocent motorists. This incident underscores the ongoing need for accountability regardless of fame or past achievements, protecting hardworking Americans who simply want safe roads for their families.

Neither Odom nor his representatives have issued statements following the arrest, leaving questions unanswered about his current recovery status and plans to address these serious charges. The silence from his camp contrasts sharply with the clear evidence documented by law enforcement, including arrest reports detailing impairment indicators and dangerous driving behavior. As this case proceeds through Nevada’s justice system, it serves as a reminder that personal responsibility and consequences matter, values that resonate deeply with Americans who believe in law and order over celebrity privilege and excuses.