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Lamar Odom Officially Quits Spanish Basketball Team After Injury, Says “Everything Happens For a Reason”

Lamar Odom
Lamar Odom has officially quit the Spanish basketball team Baskonia (Laboral Kutxa) after suffering an injury; "Everything happens for a reason," the athlete says

Can't catch a break! Lamar Odom has officially quit the Spanish basketball team Baskonia (known as Laboral Kutxa) after suffering an injury, Us Weekly can exclusively confirm.

Related: PHOTOS: Celebrity injuries

"The tests carried out in New York by Lamar Odom's trusted medical team, with the knowledge of the club, have shown that the player is suffering from lumbar radiculitis, which could keep him out of action for up to two months," a spokesman for Laboral Kutxa tells Us in a statement. "The player therefore terminates his current contractual relationship with the club. The north American pivot will complete his recovery in the United States." (Lumbar Radiculitis is a painful spinal injury that causes lower back pain.)

Related: PHOTOS: Unforgettable sports scandals

"Baskonia hopes Lamar Odom's recuperation process goes well and it leaves open the possibility of renewing its relationship with the player once his injury has healed," the statement continues. "Baskonia would like to thank the player's involvement during the time he has been in Vitoria and leaves open the possibility of renewing the relationship depending on how his injury evolves in the coming months."

As previously reported, Odom, 34, recently returned home to the states after his injury, and it was unclear whether or not he would go back. Khloe Kardashian's estranged husband had only played two games for the team so far, racking up a total of 22 minutes on the court. 

Related: PHOTOS: Khloe and Lamar's marriage

"I'm very grateful for the understanding," Odom said in a taped interview with a team rep. "Not only the people of the Baskonia basketball organization, but the people — who've shown an appreciation for me and not just a basketball player. It goes so far from beyond the basketball court. I would like to thank you for the continued support."

"This is something that is beyond my control," Odom continued. "There's a difference between a part of your body that's hurt and a part of your body that's injured. It's up to me as a responsible athlete to — if I'm injured — to take care of it. I think everything happens for a reason," he added. "Now I have a home away from home all the time. There's a place I will always look forward to come back to and I look forward to getting on the court as soon as possible."

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