Sources close to ex-NBA star Lamar Odom tell NBC News’ sister network E! that he is off of life support and breathing on his own, and he opened his eyes and spoke.
Odom was rushed to a hospital after he was found unresponsive on his bed at the legally operated brothel Love Ranch following a multi-day, $75,000 party with two women, during which he used a sexual performance supplement. The former Los Angeles Laker had multiple drugs in his system at the time, according to medical personnel.
Doctors have also said that Odom suffered at least one stroke, which could lead to brain damage, and the longer he remained unresponsive, the less likelihood he has of regaining normal brain function, according to E!.
Odom, once dubbed the “next Magic Johnson,” played for the Lakers from 2004-11, and was honored with the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award in 2011.
Off the court, Odom’s celebrity skyrocketed when he married Khloé Kardashian during a lavish ceremony featured on the E! series, “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” in 2009. But the limelight, fame and talent was marred by personal struggles and losses. Constant tabloid coverage of Odom and Kardashian alleged a $1,000-a-day crack cocaine habit and a drunken driving arrest. The two filed for divorce in 2013, but are still legally married.
During his time in the hospital, former teammates and members of the Kardashian family have turned to social media to ask their millions of followers to pray for the 35-year-old basketball legend. Khloé Kardashian has reportedly been by Odom’s bedside in the hospital, as have many members of the Kardashian-Jenner families.
