There were new signs of hope for Lamar Odom on Friday. The former NBA Sixth Man of the Year and Los Angeles Lakers star—who went into a coma on Tuesday after reportedly overdosing on a mix of cocaine, alcohol, and herbal sexual stimulants at a brothel in Nevada—is conscious, breathing on his own, and has spoken, according to a report by ESPN.
From ESPN.com:
Odom no longer has a breathing tube, [a] source said. He is wearing a breathing mask and remains in critical condition, however.
Sources told ESPN that Odom’s condition had been improving slightly over the past 36 hours, but he remained sedated as doctors worked to make sure his organs functioned properly.
The reporting on Odom’s improved condition was echoed by the website for “Entertainment Tonight,” which offered more details on Odom’s apparent communications:
According to Alvina Alston, a spokesperson for Odom’s aunt, JaNean Mercer, the 35-year-old athlete was able to open his mouth and speak on Friday.
When his doctor asked how he was doing, Lamar gave a thumbs up and responded, “Good morning.”
Earlier in the day, a source told ET that when asked if he wanted to see his children, the former NBA star communicated “Yes,”. It is unclear if he spoke or used body language in that conversation.
Odom, who is possibly more famous for his role on the program Keeping Up With the Kardashians as the husband—now estranged—of Khloe Kardashian than his role on the NBA court, has received an outpouring of support from the basketball and entertainment communities. Odom’s life has been a whirlwind of tragedy and struggles with addiction and depression, but he remained one of the most well-liked players in the NBA among his teammates and fellow competitors. He last played in the league in 2013.
