Lamar Odom has been away from the hardwood for quite some time now. Since he was found unconscious in a Nevada brothel in 2016, the former Los Angeles Laker embarked on a tedious journey to return to form. Now, the Queens native is ready to get back to his passion of basketball.
On Thursday morning (July 26), Odom shared with his followers that he will play professional basketball in China (the team’s name is still under wraps). In a lengthy IG post, Odom reassured his fans to keep fighting for what they believe in. “Never give up on yourself and keep believing that only God can create the miracles you’re hoping for,” he wrote. “Basketball and my children have always been the light in my life and this is where my focus is right now.” The 38-year-old last adorned a jersey in 2013 for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Odom added that he was inspired by Stephon Marbury, a fellow NBA player who made a name for himself in the Chinese Basketball Association since 2009, the New York Post states. Odom also looks at this opportunity as a fresh start to put even more numbers on the board. Recently, Miami Heat’s Dwayne Wade was offered $25 million to play for China’s Zhejiang Golden Bulls, ESPN reports.
In December 2017, Odom checked into the Casa Palmera Treatment Center where he stayed for a month. Upon his release, Odom said his three children served as his motivation. “You become so distant,” he said. “Using drugs, it numbs you to everything. Even your feelings. Being at Casa, I learned how to live in the moment. Being – mentally and physically – is important to me, especially when dealing with my children.”
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