Lamar Odom is starting physical therapy

When news broke that former Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom had been found unresponsive and subsequently hospitalized in Nevada, his prognosis sounded more grim with each report and his odds of survival appeared slim. But since things reached their lowest point last Tuesday, new of Odom's condition has only continued to improve. First there was a report that Odom had begun to show responsiveness, and then word leaked on Friday that he was not only breathing on his own, but he had spoken a few words as well.

After a relatively quiet weekend with little word about Odom's condition, Mark Medina of the L.A. Daily News is reporting that after spending the last three days breathing on his own, Odom is "showing marked improvement with his breathing, vision and the ability to have simple conversations." In the same encouraging vein, Medina also reported that Odom will soon begin trying to regain his mobility:

Odom is slated to begin physical therapy that will show whether the 35-year-old former basketball player can walk, said sources familiar with Odom's progression. But it remains unclear how well he can navigate that challenge.

Odom has experienced frequent fatigue and has received constant treatment on his lungs and kidneys, sources said. Odom could also have serious brain damage considering a 911 call released last Wednesday reported Odom took cocaine and 10 doses of a sexual performance enhancer over three days.

Every step forward taken for Odom is good news for all of us who just want to see him get better. While Lamar is just at the beginning of what will surely be a long and uncertain road to recovery, that he has a chance at all is incredible after how dark things looked last Tuesday.