Lamar Odom Returning to Basketball, Will Play Professionally in China

A long and arduous path back to basketball for former Los Angeles Lakers superstar Lamar Odom is set to finally come to fruition.

After battling legal matters and drug issues for the better part of the last half-decade or so, Odom is set to finally make his return to professional basketball after last suiting up for the Los Angeles Clippers in 2012. Odom announced on his Instagram page that he will play professionally in the Chinese Basketball Association.

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 Jul 26, 2018 at 5:40am PDT

Now 38 years old, Lamar Odom will have one final shot to enjoy the tail end of his basketball career. Playing in China is a unique opportunity and should bring about nothing but positivity for a player who was once on the brink of losing it all.

Prior to his decision to play overseas in China, Odom had also discussed potentially playing in Ice Cube’s Big 3 League but nothing had come of it. During his playing days, Odom brought high IQ and a sharp shooting stroke as a mobile power forward and will hope to see that translate into the CBA.

Odom hasn’t disclosed which Chinese team he will be signing with so we will have to wait for an official announcement. It remains to be seen just how long Odom decides to spend playing in China with his age now pushing 40 and him describing his children as one of his primary focuses.