Former NBA star Odom set to play for Mighty Sports in Dubai tourney

Lamar Odom will represent the Philippines in Dubai. NBA Entertainment (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Lamar Odom is making a return to professional basketball, and he will suit up for a Philippine side.

The former two-time National Basketball Association champion announced on his social media accounts on Wednesday that he will play for Mighty Sports in the Dubai International Basketball Championship starting Feb. 1.

"I will be representing team Mighty Sports from the Philippines with my forever #7!" exclaimed Odom, implying that he will jersey number seven, which has been his number since he joined the NBA as the Los Angeles Clippers' fourth overall pick in the 1999 draft.

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I'd like to announce that I will be playing in The Dubai International Basketball Championship this February 1st 2019 !!!!!!! 🏀I will be representing team @mightysports_ph from the Philippines with my 4ever #7 ! To me this is a great warming up for the @thebig3 !! It's been a minute since I've professionally competed and I hope to be as explosive as I used to be! I was hoping to be ready for the Chinese CBA earlier this year but I didn't feel that I was physically were I wanted to be. ( yet) I needed more time to recover from my multiple strokes and hearts attacks. Im not giving up and going in full force !! Patience and moving FORWARD is KEY! Special thanks to @femaleagentsr @charlestiu for making me part of this amazing tournament in Dubai! #teamreyes ! This wouldn't be possible without the support of my kids, @destiny_odom @lamar.morales.odom, MY FANS, my team @jared_dyem @bryantaustin23 @xpesports @billythakid23 @m2exec @showtimepersonaldevelopment @willvlo @therealyasin @ninetyplusofficial @mr2rchiang @chaselucid @saamzangenehlaw @hemplucid ! Thanks @iamzoul for building the road to my comeback life chapter ! LETSGOO 💪🏿#newpages #2019 #dubai #manila #basketball

A post shared by Lamar Odom (@lamarodom) on Dec 18, 2018 at 12:19pm PST

The 39-year-old Odom, who eventually starred for the Clippers' fellow Staples Center tenants Los Angeles Lakers, winning back-to-back NBA titles in 2009 and 2010, believes he is now ready for a comeback after declining an offer to join the Chinese Basketball Association earlier this year.

"This is a great warming up for the Big 3!! It's been a minute since I've professionally competed and I hope to be as explosive as I used to be!" Odom, who survived multiple strokes and heart attacks following his NBA retirement in 2013, further said. "I'm not giving up and going in full force!! Patience and moving forward is key!"

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