Lamar Odom’s whirlwind week has been looking up, as the former NBA star emerged from his medically-induced coma on Friday (Oct. 16). Odom was found unconscious in a Nevada brothel last Tuesday (Oct. 13), after an unknown combination of alcohol and drugs sent him into a critical state. Just seven days after his hospitalization, the two-time NBA champ has been discharged from Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas, E! News reports.
Odom was transferred via helicopter back to Los Angeles, where he will undergo physical therapy for the remainder of his treatment, the site reports. Doctors anticipate an extensive road to recovery; although he has reportedly been able to communicate (and even smile, according to Kim Kardashian), he remains on dialysis and unable to stand on his own. He also has “some cognitive issues ahead,” despite signs of neurological improvement. E! also confirms that Khloe Kardashian is by his side.
As supporters have flocked to the hospital and to social media, debates have sparked about whether the Kardashian family’s support was genuine and/or necessary. Master P was the first celebrity to openly slam the reality TV family and Odom’s former teammate Kobe Bryant. Metta World Peace most recently offered his thoughts on the matter, taking the stance that his children should be the primary visitors. Odom’s children, 17-year-old Destiny Odom and 13-year-old Lamar Odom Jr. released a joint statement thanking fans for their support.
“Thanks for your outpouring of prayers and support for our dad. We are here with our family and friends,” the statement read. “We appreciate everyone respecting our privacy at this time. We ask for your continued prayers.”