Lamar Odom is making a basketball comeback.
Odom, who last played in the NBA in 2014, took to Instagram to announce his decision to return to the sport he played professionally for 15 years before taking an eventful four-year break that saw him battle through a coma and enter rehab for substance abuse.
“My heart literally warms up now I can finally share with you all that I’m returning to play Basketball,” Odom, 38, wrote. “I will be playing in China! God is good! Thanks lord for giving me another chance in life and thank you fans for your love and support during all those hard years.”
The Queens native bounces back to the game he loves after being found unconscious at a Nevada brothel in November 2016 and falling into a coma for three days. A year later, he checked into a rehab facility just three days after his divorce from Khloe Kardashian was finalized.
In his announcement, Odom thanked Stephon Marbury for “believing in me” and “the opportunity to start over again.” Odom said Marbury, who left the NBA in 2009 to play for the Chinese Basketball Association, is his inspiration.https://www.instagram.com/p/BlsfliohUOH/
Basketball might not have been the only thing that drew Odom to China. The 6-foot-10 forward also thanked Zoule Fassi, presumably one of his business partners. Earlier this month, Odom announced his plan to move to Shenzen, China, as a result of his new partnership with Ninety Plus Group Limited, an entertainment company that has partnered with stars like Akon.
Odom doesn’t mention what club he is signing with, although the CBA Shenzen Leopards are most likely the front-runners given his business location. The two-time NBA champion last played basketball in Europe in 2014, with Baskonia. His last NBA contract was with the Knicks that year, though he didn’t play a game.
“Never give up on yourself and keep believing that only god can create miracles you’re hoping for,” Odom said. “Basketball and my children have always been the light in my life and this is where my focus is right now.”