Lamar Odom took Kobe Bryant up on his invitation and attended his first Lakers game since he was hospitalized in October.
Bryant put aside two court-side seats for his friend and former teammate, who received a standing ovation from the crowd. When Odom appeared on the scoreboard during the game, the crowd got on their feet to welcome him back.
"It's a miracle, honestly," Bryant told ESPN of Odom's recovery. "In Vegas, he was [on death's doorstep]. To see him walking around now, like nothing happened. It's really a miracle. It's beyond good to see him."
ESPN reports that Odom met up with both Bryant and former Miami Heat teammate Dwyane Wade before and after the game. Wade later tweeted about getting to see his friend, saying, "Made losing this game not matter 'as much' after getting a chance to spend time with my guy LO. #GodisGood."
Odom told ESPN that "it was awesome" to be back as he left with his former teammates.
Meanwhile, Bryant told the sports network:
This is home for him. It's been this way for many, many years. It's just the feeling of being home and being loved, because we all love him and that's never going to change. LA loves him. We all appreciate the championships that he brought here. Without him, there's no way that we win any of those titles.
Before the game, Odom's last public appearance was at the Yeezy Season 3 presentation at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Odom's health has improved greatly since last year, when he was found unconscious in a Nevada brothel. He reportedly dealt with some short-term memory issues in December, but by February he was able to go out for a hike with his estranged wife, Khloe Kardashian, and her sister Kim. He seems to be working his way toward a full recovery.
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