Lamar Odom has been playing basketball in Spain for about a month but his overseas career has come to an a sudden halt.
The NBA star recently suffered a bad spinal injury and according to Us Weekly, has had to quit the team and come back to the States because of it.
A spokesperson for Laboral Kutxa told the site:
“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.”
“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.”
Lamar had only played two games for the team in Spain before his injury occurred but hopefully he can recover and renew his contract soon.
He recently said in a taped interview:
“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.”
We are keeping Lamar in our prayers – he sure has lost a lot lately.
SOURCE: Us Weekly | PHOTO CREDIT: Splash
