Len Bias' Mom Drug Addiction Is a Disease ... But We Can Beat It

It's been nearly 30 years since NCAA basketball superstar Len Bias died from a cocaine overdose ... just two days after he was selected as the #2 overall pick in the NBA Draft.

Now, with Lamar Odom fighting for his life in a Vegas hospital, Len's mother, Dr. Lonise Bias, says people must understand that drug addiction is a disease -- and it needs to be treated before it's too late.

Dr. Bias issued a statement to TMZ Sports ... complete with a heartfelt message to Lamar ... and a reality check to the rest of the sports world.