NBA veteran Lamar Odom announced on Thursday that he is returning to professional basketball and will play in China. Odom, who won two NBA titles with Los Angeles Lakers, didn’t play basketball professionally since being waived by New York Knick on July 11, 2014.
“My heart literally warms up now I can finally share with you all that I’m returning to play Basketball,” – wrote the 38-year-old on his Instagram profile. “I will be playing in China China!s good! Thanks lord for giving me another chance in life and thank you fans for your the love and support during all those hard years. Never give up on yourself and keep believing that only god can create the miracles you’re hoping for.“
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Lamar Odom started his career in NBA after Los Angeles Clippers selected him fourth overall in 1999’s draft. Although he put up good numbers during his first four years with the team, Odom’s problematic behavior caused the Clippers to move on from him. He signed with the Miami Heat in 2003, only to be traded to Lakers a year after.
This turned out to be a good outcome for Odom, who won two championships with the Lakers in 2009 and 2010 while receiving NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2011. After this season, he had short-term stints with several NBA teams and never managed to get back to his old form. Odom also struggled with drugs and alcohol abuse, which limited his chances of finding a team willing to sign him.
Across his NBA career, Lamar Odom averaged 13.3 points, 8.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.
