It’s a birthday some were afraid wouldn’t happen. After Lamar Odom was found unconscious in a Nevada brothel on Oct. 13, many of his close friends and family were scared he wouldn’t make it to 36. But on his birthday, Friday, Nov. 6, the former NBA star is recovering in L.A.’s Cedars-Sinai hospital, and his loved ones couldn’t be more thrilled.
Odom’s aunt JaNean Mercer decided to commemorate the milestone birthday with a special statement from the athlete’s family.
“Happy Birthday Lamar! We want to THANK everyone from around the world for your continued prayers and well wishes for Lamar and our family,” Mercer tells Us Weekly in a statement. “Every birthday with Lamar is special but today is an especially momentous occasion and we honor GOD for this day and thank HIM for allowing us to spend this time together.”
Even with the celebratory note, Mercer cautioned that Odom still has a ways to go, adding, “Please continue to keep Lamar and our family in prayer as he continues on this miraculous journey.”
Odom’s estranged wife, Khloe Kardashian, hasn’t publicly commented on his birthday, after wishing her mom, Kris Jenner, a happy 60th birthday on Thursday. Though she is set to attend the momager’s Gatsby-themed bash on Friday night, she has canceled several events related to the release of her new book, Strong Looks Better Naked, to be by Odom’s side.
“I keep getting asked why I cancelled my NYC signings. I will reschedule them but4 the time being I have to stay in LA for personal reasons,” she tweeted on Nov. 5. “More cities will be added for sure my loves! I just have to feel comfortable to leave for a few days. thank you for understanding.”
Despite her continued devotion, a source tells Us that on Oct. 23, “Lamar said he needed space and wanted to be alone. He told her to get out.” A Kardashian source denies this occurred.
For more details on Odom’s current relationship with Kardashian, pick up the new issue of Us Weekly, on stands now!
