Lakers in review: As Lamar Odom recovers, his former team gets ready for the season

While the Lakers battled through the preseason, Lamar Odom struggled for his life after he was found unconscious in a Nevada brothel.

Odom, whose life has been laced with tragedy along with on-court success, was initially intubated in intensive care.

The news of Odom’s struggle touched a number of people around the NBA, with many praising his great spirit. That included Clippers guard Chris Paul who said, “We love you, man. Keep fighting.”

Both Kobe Bryant and Metta World Peace said they were extremely worried about their friend. Bryant visited Odom in the hospital when the Lakers were in Las Vegas for an exhibition game.

Odom was joined in the hospital by his estranged wife, reality television star Khloe Kardashian. The two had filed for divorce but a judge had yet to sign off on the paperwork, and Kardashian reportedly will stick with Odom through months of rehab.

Eventually, Odom regained consciousness and was able to speak, despite concerns he may have had multiple strokes. He was transferred to a Los Angeles hospital, “more and more aware” after coming out of a coma.

“You can never be prepared for an experience like this,” Kardashian said in a statement, although one columnist called the situation a “freak show.”

On Wednesday, the two officially called off their divorce.

Meanwhile, the new faces of the Lakers continued to prepare in an exhibition game against the Golden State Warriors that was cut short by a slippery court. It was an impressive performance against the NBA’s current champion.

Bryant sat out with a bruised leg that is likely to keep him sidelined through the rest of the exhibition season, including the team’s final dress rehearsal on Thursday, also against the Warriors.

Veteran rookie Marcelo Huertas was strong again in his second appearance in the Lakers’ 104-102 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, a game won on a Ryan Kelly dunk.

Fellow rookies D’Angelo Russell and Larry Nance Jr. are each looking to define a role with the team, with Nance being patient for his number to be called. Some NBA general managers think that Russell will be the best rookie in five years.

The Lakers picked up their third-year option on Julius Randle’s contract.

The team needs to cut at least four players before the regular season, and let go of center Robert Upshaw and guard Michael Frazier. The Lakers chose to hold on to Robert Sacre as a third center.

Finally, the Lakers may cut rookie forward Jonathan Holmes, who dislocated his shoulder, but the team is on hook for his salary while he’s injured.

Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus