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Report: Lamar Odom's Heart Is Responding

The athlete's condition may have unexpectedly improved.

Lamar Odom's condition may have taken an unexpected positive turn after doctors had all but given up on him yesterday. TMZ reports that the former Lakers' heart is responding, perhaps raising hopes for his survival. Doctors say Odom's heart functioning is "much better" than yesterday and that it's a good sign of improvement that a critical organ is responding.

As of last night, Odom was breathing through a ventilator with virtually no chance of recovery, and his family was preparing for the end. A family source told TMZ that Odom is in "dire straights" and was "entirely unresponsive" on Thursday. Even if he manages to survive, the source added, doctors said he has virtually no chance of ever leading a normal life again. While it's not clear if this new information is enough to give him a fighting chance, it does seem like a small miracle.
Odom experienced multiple organ failure due to heavy drug use during his three-day binge at a Nevada brothel. His condition had been steadily deteriorating since he was admitted on Tuesday night, giving doctors few options and leaving a tough decision in the hands of his estranged wife, Khloe Kardashian.

Odom's family, including his father, Joe, his ex-wife, Liza Morales, and their two children, Destiny and Lamar Jr., arrived at his side on Thursday. Several of Odom's celebrity friends, including Kobe Bryant and Rev. Jesse Jackson, have visited the hospital. Others have expressed their sentiments to the press and on social media, with Oprah Winfrey saying she is "devastated" at the news.
Hopefully the prayers of his family, friends and fans will make a miracle possible.

Watch a recap of the tragic events of the past few days below:

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(Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

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