PHOTOSIs Lamar Odom Really Returning to Professional Basketball?
Dec. 20 2018, Updated 2:54 p.m. ET
On Tuesday, Lamar Odom announced that come 2019 he will be playing in the Dubai International Basketball Championship and representing a team from the Philippines. Scroll through to get all the surprising news.
While fans are happy for the former NBA player's return to the professional basketball world, it definitely comes as a huge surprise, since his previous comeback plans were halted over health concerns!
Lamar's debut marks the first time that he will hit the court professionally since undergoing an almost fatal overdose in 2015 and subsequently battling a drug and alcohol addiction.
Famously known for spending most of his career with the Los Angeles Lakers from 2004-2011, the last time the 39-year-old played professionally was in 2013 for the Los Angeles Clippers.
“I’d like to announce that I will be playing in The Dubai International Basketball Championship this February 1st 2019 !!!!!!! ?I will be representing team @mightysports_ph from the Philippines with my 4ever #7 !” he wrote on Instagram.
“To me this is a great warming up for the @thebig3!!” he wrote, referencing the professional 3v3 basketball league that features mostly retired NBA players. “It’s been a minute since I’ve professionally competed and I hope to be as explosive as I used to be!" Lamar continued.
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Lamar first announced his plans to move to China to play professional basketball in July but due to his past medical issues, which included being in a coma for several days where he also experienced 12 strokes and six heart attacks, his return had to be pushed back.
“I was hoping to be ready for the Chinese CBA Chinese Basketball Association earlier this year but I didn’t feel that I was physically where I wanted to be. I needed more time to recover from my multiple strokes and hearts attacks,” he explained.
Despite his past, the star who famously married Khloe Kardashian in 2009, assured his fans that he is ready to take on anything life throws at him!
“Im not giving up and going in full force!! Patience and moving FORWARD is KEY!” he added. Lamar then thanked his agents, kids, fans, former teammates, trainers, and manager for their support through the years and “for building the road to my comeback life chapter! LETSGOO ??”
What do you think of Lamar's debut back into professional basketball? Let us know in the comments.
