Luke Walton brought Lamar Odom to watch the Lakers’ pre-draft workouts

Former Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom will always be a fan-favorite, and not just for his role in bringing the team two titles as an essential bench cog who would later win Sixth Man of the Year.

Not only was Odom’s smooth, versatile game at 6’11 ahead of its time and a blast to watch as he carved up opposing bench units and starters alike with his loping fullcourt runs, but he just seemed like a genuine, good person. A guy who had been through real struggles in his life and who Lakers fans will always root for.

When Odom fell into a coma in a Nevada brothel nearly two years ago, at the time it seemed like it could be a tragic end to a difficult life, but Odom beat the odds and has since bounced back. Odom made an appearance at Kobe Bryant’s final game with the Lakers, and made it sound like he’s doing much better in an interview earlier this year.

Odom’s latest public appearance came at none other than the Lakers’ practice facility, where he came as a “guest” of Lakers head coach and former teammate Luke Walton to watch the team prepare for the 2017 NBA Draft by working out Jordan Bell of Oregon and other prospects:

Odom may not have an official role with the Lakers, and that may not ever happen. Regardless, it’s still really good on a human level to see who is by all accounts one of the best people to ever wear a Lakers uniform doing well and hanging around the organization.

Harrison Faigen is co-host of the Locked on Lakers podcast (subscribe here), and you can follow him on Twitter at @hmfaigen.