After news surfaced that Lamar Odom was hospitalized after being found unconscious, Lakers star Kobe Bryant left a pre-season game in Las Vegas to be by his friend's side. Now, the Lakers all-star has opened up about Odom's condition for the first time.
Speaking to the press after basketball practice on Tuesday, Bryant said, “It’s amazing to see him do so well, it truly is remarkable.” He adds, “It puts things in perspective a little bit more. This is what we do, this is not who we are. Sometimes basketball can get in the way of life and the way of living.”

Two weeks ago, the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year was reportedly found unconscious by two women in a VIP suite at the Love Ranch South in Nevada. While his condition was initially declared hopeless, Odom has made remarkable progress in recent days, regaining consciousness as well as some speech function and mobility. The two-time champion isn't out of the woods yet, however, and will likely require a kidney transplant and months of rehabilitation, with no promise of a full recovery.
As if fighting for his life isn't punishment enough, sources report that a Nevada district attorney is pushing for criminal charges against Odom for using cocaine in the brothel. No charges have been filed as yet, however.

Thankfully, Odom has the love and support of his friends, family and fans to see him through. Watch Kobe Bryant talk about his relationship with his former teammate during the 2015 BET Experience's Genius Talks below:

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(Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)