'Only God Can Create the Miracles': Lamar Odom Makes Unexpected Return to Basketball

Emily Jones
07-30-2018

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Former Los Angeles Lakers player Lamar Odom is making a comeback to the world of professional basketball after battling a debilitating drug addiction.

Odom announced his return in an Instagram post, and gives God all the glory.

"My heart literally warms up now I can finally share with you all that I'm returning to play Basketball. I will be playing in China! God is good," he said. "Thanks lord for giving me another chance in life and thank you fans for your the love and support during all those hard years."
 

 

I have some good news to share with you on this beautiful day from The Netherlands. My heart literally warms up now I can finally share with you all that I'm returning to play Basketball. I will be playing in China ! God is 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. Basketball and my children have always been the light in my life and this is where my focus is right now. Thank you @mr2rchiang and @iamzoul @georgeboss77 for believing in me and the opportunity to start over again! Thank you @starburymarbury for being my inspiration ❤️ LETS GOO ! #china #basketball #yes

A post shared by Lamar Odom (@lamarodom) on

Those hard years include a severe cocaine and alcohol addiction that nearly destroyed his kidneys, induced 12 strokes, two heart attacks, and left Odom in a coma. Miraculously he survived and told CBS Sports he "cheated death." 

Now, he is using his experience and unexpected return to pro ball as an opportunity to encourage those like him.

"Never give up on yourself and keep believing that only god can create the miracles you're hoping for. Basketball and my children have always been the light in my life and this is where my focus is right now," he added in his Instagram post.

Odom has yet to reveal which team he will play for.

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About The Author

Emily
Jones

Emily Jones is a multi-media journalist for CBN News in Jerusalem. Before she moved to the Middle East in 2019, she spent years regularly traveling to the region to study the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, meet with government officials, and raise awareness about Christian persecution. During her college years, Emily served as president of Regent University's Christians United for Israel chapter and spoke alongside world leaders at numerous conferences and events. She is an active member of the Philos Project, an organization that seeks to promote positive Christian engagement with the Middle
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