Report: Lamar Odom continues to improve; now texting, speaking sentences

Two-time NBA champion Lamar Odom continues to make progress in his recovery, according to multiple reports.

ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported on Saturday that though Odom is still in critical condition in a Las Vegas-area hospital, he is “way, way better” and more conversational.

Lamar Odom continues to make progress. Source says he's more conversational today.

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) October 17, 2015

Shelburne also confirmed earlier reports that the former Sixth Man of the Year is now breathing on his own (with the help of a mask) and is no longer relying on a breathing tube.

Odom’s improvement was echoed by Brad Turner of the LA Times who reported that Odom has advanced to texting and speaking sentences.

Been told that Lamar Odom is doing good today. He's texting, speaking sentences, according to a source.

— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) October 17, 2015

Odom has been hospitalized since being found unconscious and unresponsive at a Nevada brothel on Tuesday with “virtually every drug imaginable” in his system. Considering how dire the situation was earlier this week with the former Laker feared to have suffered brain damage and given a 50/50 chance of survival, Odom’s progression to this point borders on miraculous.

Reports on Friday had Odom opening his eyes and communicating as well as showing improvement in his heart function. It’s great to see that Odom keeps trending in the right direction.

While he’s still far from out of the woods, it seems that Odom is making steady strides every single day, which is about as good of a development as anyone could have hoped for. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Odom as he continues to recover.