Former NBA star Lamar Odom is expected to enter a no contest plea in his Las Vegas DUI case, marking a significant development in the legal matter that began when he was arrested in January. According to his attorney, the plea agreement would allow the DUI charge to be reduced to reckless driving if Odom successfully completes all required conditions. The announcement came just hours before a bench trial scheduled for July 7 was set to begin.
The 46-year-old basketball legend was arrested in the early morning hours of January 17 after Nevada State Police pulled him over on Interstate 15 near the Las Vegas airport. According to arrest reports and law enforcement statements, a trooper observed Odom’s SUV traveling at approximately 90 miles per hour before it accelerated to over 100 mph as the officer attempted to catch up. The posted speed limit on that section of Interstate 15 is 65 miles per hour.
Once pulled over, the trooper reported detecting a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. During the roadside investigation, Odom allegedly displayed signs of impairment and subsequently failed multiple field sobriety tests. Police records indicate he was initially driving at speeds exceeding 110 mph at one point during the incident.
Odom faces three misdemeanor charges stemming from the traffic stop: driving under the influence, driving more than 41 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, and improper lane change or failure to maintain his travel lane. He was taken into custody following the arrest but was later released on his own recognizance.
In March 2026, Odom’s attorney, Kevin Coburn, entered a not guilty plea on his behalf in Las Vegas Justice Court. At that time, Coburn declined to comment extensively on the allegations, stating the case was in its preliminary stages and the defense was still reviewing evidence provided by prosecutors. The case was then scheduled for a bench trial, in which a judge rather than a jury would determine the outcome.
According to Coburn’s recent statement about the proposed plea deal, entering a no contest plea for the DUI charge will not result in Odom being convicted of DUI. Instead, under the terms being negotiated, the case would be subject to what is known as a stayed adjudication. If Odom fulfills all conditions required by the court, the DUI charge would be dismissed entirely and reduced to the lesser charge of reckless driving.
The announcement came just one day before the bench trial was scheduled to commence. However, Coburn cautioned that the agreement is not yet finalized and remains conditional on prosecutors accepting the proposed terms. Prosecutors had not immediately confirmed or approved the arrangement at the time of the announcement.
Following his arrest in January, Odom entered a rehabilitation program to address substance use concerns. Coburn stated that Odom has successfully completed the rehab program, which legal experts note can be a significant factor in plea negotiations and sentencing considerations in DUI cases.
This DUI case represents Odom’s second encounter with impaired driving charges. He was previously arrested on DUI charges in California in 2013, the same year his high-profile marriage to reality television personality Khloe Kardashian ended. That prior case resulted in a no contest plea and probation.
Odom’s legal troubles follow a turbulent personal history marked by his well-documented struggles with substance abuse. In 2015, he suffered a near-fatal drug overdose at a legal brothel in Nevada, an incident that left him hospitalized in a comatose state before his eventual recovery. Those personal challenges have been the subject of documentaries and have figured prominently in public discussions about his life and career.
Despite the legal challenges, Odom has been open about his recovery journey in recent interviews. In April 2026, just a few months after his arrest, he stated that he is currently completely sober and does not drink alcohol, emphasizing his commitment to managing addiction as a health issue. He has also been working on various business ventures in recent years, including promotional activities for personal brand products.
The 46-year-old former athlete had a distinguished 14-year NBA career playing for the Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and Dallas Mavericks. He won two NBA championships with the Lakers and was a UNLV basketball recruit in 1997. His standing as a two-time NBA champion has kept him in the public eye despite his personal struggles and legal issues over the years.