Entertainment

21 Sweet Photos Of Lamar Odom

by Kadeen Griffiths

By now, everyone has heard the tragic news that Lamar Odom has been hospitalized in Nevada after being found unconscious and taken to a local hospital. Odom's condition is said to remain critical, and any further updates since Tuesday night have been slow in coming. Fans and celebrities alike have been sending out their support for the 35-year-old, and his ex-wife Khloe Kardashian reportedly rushed to Odom's side after hearing the news, so, at the very least, we can feel reassured by the fact that he is surrounded by love during this trying time. Of course, times weren't always trying with the basketball player. In fact, these photos of Lamar Odom show happier times in the 35-year-old's life.

Although he is currently a free agent, Odom has enjoyed a long and decorated basketball career, as well as being very well-known for his high-profile relationship with, and eventual marriage to, Khloe Kardashian. Whether he's out with the Kardashians, on the court, or just plain having fun by himself, old pictures of him paint a happy portrait — which makes this current tragedy, and the personal tragedies that Odom has struggled with over the years, even more sad. So take my hand and take a trip with me down memory lane in photograph form, while we continue to wish Odom a speedy recovery.

1. A Wide Smile

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images

He might be sweaty and exhausted, but he always has time to beam.

2. Game Face On

Harry How/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images

Sometimes, in the middle of basketball, the players just look like they're giving each other hugs.

3. Speaking Of Hugs

FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images

Tell me he doesn't look like a boss right here.

4. The Formerly Happy Couple

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Just because things ended badly doesn't mean they didn't have happier times.

5. A Show Of Support

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He gets by with a little help from his friends.

6. The Kardashian Klan

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#SquadGoals.

7. With Some Bonus Rob

Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

This picture is so cute that I literally can't even handle it.

8. A Brief Moment Of Doubt

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Odom looks troubled in this quick shot, but it could also be that he's just thinking about what he's going to eat after this.

9. In Which He Is A Perfect Reaction Gif

Jeff Gross/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images

Or reaction photo, I should say? Either way, his face is perfect.

10. That Time Obama Showed Up

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Does this make the Lakers the most presidential team out there? Basketball fans, debate.

11. The Good Old Days

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When they were happy, they were really happy.

12. Nothing But Net

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...at least, that's the goal here.

13. This Should Be A Meme

JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images

Seriously, why does he make such amazing faces?

14. It's All About The Body Language

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I've changed my mind. This should be the meme.

15. Sparing Time For The Fans

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It's great to see him showing love to the people who show him love. And it's even more great that even more people have come out of the woodwork to support him and send their condolences while we await his recovery.

16. I Don't Even Know Man

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Is... is he stretching? I can't drag my eyes away from his expression. It's literally the best.

17. Now This Is A Real Stretch

Harry How/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images

Action shots for the win.

18. Showing Him Some Love

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images

Basketball cuteness. MY HEART.

19. Everyone Deserves Their Own Wheaties Box

Chris Graythen/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images

I would frame mine.

20. Taking A Seat

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images

Not everything on the court is all about the action, you guys.

21. Boom, There It Is

LUCY NICHOLSON/AFP/Getty Images

It seemed only right to end on a high note for Odom.

While we might be looking at these photos during tragic circumstances, they remind us of better days, and are more incentive than we really need to keep Odom in our hearts and minds going forward.