In a move that has sparked both curiosity and raised eyebrows, former NBA star Lamar Odom has made headlines once again—not for a new sports venture or reality show cameo, but for purchasing a customized $8,000 RealDoll made to look like his ex-wife, Khloé Kardashian. Odom’s fascination with the doll seems to be about much more than its price tag, reflecting his continued connection to Kardashian years after their dramatic split. According to his manager, Gina Rodriguez, the idea came to him recently, and he was captivated from the start.
RealDoll, the company behind this unusual investment, has built a reputation for delivering ultra-realistic, life-size dolls that push the boundaries of what “realistic” means. Their dolls, made from silicone and proprietary blends designed to mimic the texture of human skin, come with flexible skeletons that allow a surprising range of movement. This customization isn’t cheap, but RealDoll remains a favorite among those looking for something more than your average mannequin. Odom’s doll, created to his specifications, includes the “voluptuous curves” Kardashian is famous for and her distinctive facial features, crafted to bear a close likeness to the reality star he’s openly admitted he still misses.
Speaking on Odom’s unusual purchase, Rodriguez shed some light on what seems to be a blend of nostalgia and longing behind the decision.
“Lamar still cares about Khloé a lot. This was a way for him to keep a part of her close, even if it’s unconventional,”
she said. The pair’s relationship was anything but ordinary—built on a whirlwind romance and a fast-track wedding in 2009, just a month after they met. Their life together quickly became a public spectacle, with their reality show, Khloé & Lamar, pulling back the curtain on their marriage.
For a time, the couple seemed untouchable. But as Odom struggled with addiction and personal issues, their relationship began to unravel. Khloe Kardashian eventually filed for divorce in 2013, although she continued to support him as a friend, even standing by him after his near-fatal overdose in 2021. The divorce was finalized in 2016, and since then, while their romance has ended, their friendship has maintained a quiet warmth.
Yet for Odom, Kardashian is a figure who looms large. In recent years, he has repeatedly expressed regret about how he treated her, making it no secret that he’d love a second chance. His stint on Celebrity Big Brother in 2022 brought out raw reflections. Odom described Kardashian as “the love of [his] life” and admitted to his castmates that he would cherish even a simple dinner with her to apologize and show that he’s changed. “I didn’t treat that good woman right,” he said, calling her someone he deeply misses. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the doll seems to serve as a reminder of that chapter in his life and, in some ways, as an effort to keep it alive.
RealDoll’s designers went all out to capture Kardashian’s famous silhouette, reportedly customizing every feature to meet Odom’s requests. With options for implanted hair, a tailored eye color, and facial detailing that aimed to mirror Kardashian’s look, the doll took time, money, and craftsmanship. It’s not just about looks, though—RealDolls are designed with an advanced internal structure that allows them to move and pose in ways that resemble real human gestures. The company even offers basic AI and interactive add-ons, though it’s unclear if Odom chose any of these extras for his model. Still, he wanted something deeply personal, crafted with Kardashian’s image in mind.
Odom’s unusual choice, while unconventional, seems deeply rooted in regret and a wish for reconciliation. Friends and fans alike have watched him reflect on what he calls the “biggest regret” of his life. While Kardashian has firmly moved on, Odom’s lingering hopefulness is apparent in tender and unexpected ways. As Kardashian focuses on her children and co-parenting with her other ex, Tristan Thompson, she has repeatedly shown compassion for Odom. Still, all signs point to their romance remaining in the past.
Odom’s journey, however, shows no signs of abandoning these memories. The custom doll may be an unusual step, but for him, it’s likely one of the last ways to feel close to someone who, in his own words, is irreplaceable.
