Lamar Odom attends first Lakers game since hospitalization
Talk about a warm welcome.
Former basketball star Lamar Odom received a standing ovation at the Staples Center in Los Angeles Wednesday night as he attended his first Lakers game since his hospitalization in October of last year.
Odom had reportedly been invited to the game by Kobe Bryant, who spent time with Odom both before and after the game, according to those in attendance.
Odom sat court-side with a friend for the game itself and told appreciative fans that being in the Staples Center again was "awesome" and, "I got goosebumps," according to TMZ.
Lamar Odom walking into the Staples Center. Amazing. Told me he is feeling good. pic.twitter.com/9QoK9Na1pO
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) March 31, 2016
Lamar Odom met with @DwyaneWade and @kobebryant for a long time after the game tonight. Just incredible to see him back.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) March 31, 2016
Odom, a former player for both the L.A. Lakers and the Miami Heat, watched as the Lakers lost to the Heat on their home turf.
Lakers player Dwayne Wade, at least, saw Odom's presence as a way to mitigate the pain of defeat. "Made losing this game not matter 'as much' after getting a chance to spend time with my guy LO," Wade tweeted.
Made losing this game not matter "as much" after getting a chance to spend time with my guy LO. #GodisGood https://t.co/qlCisZ7RT6
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) March 31, 2016
Odom was hospitalized in October after being found unconscious in a Nevada brothel.