Lamar Odom got a standing ovation as he made his first trip to a Lakers game since he was hospitalised last year.

The 36-year-old athlete – who is still recovering after being found unconscious after a drink and drug binge in Las Vegas last October – made a triumphant return to the Staples Centre last night (30.03.16) to see his teammates take on the Miami Heat basketball team.

Kobe Bryant – who invited Lamar to the game – told ESPN: “It’s a miracle, honestly. In Vegas, he was [on death’s doorstep]. To see him walking around now, like nothing happened. It’s really a miracle. It’s beyond good to see him.

“This is home for him. It’s been this way for many, many years. It’s just the feeling of being home and being loved, because we all love him and that’s never going to change. Los Angeles loves him. We all appreciate the championships that he brought here. Without him, there’s no way that we win any of those titles.”

Lamar was given the best seat in the house by Kobe and was honoured by the entire crowd with a standing ovation when a picture of him flashed up on the scoreboard.