Lamar Odom
Former NBA player Lamar Odom is said to be on the road to recovery REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Lamar Odom reportedly opened his eyes and spoke with his ex-wife Khloe Kardashian on Friday (16 October) morning, three days after falling into a coma. The former NBA star collapsed in a brothel on Tuesday (13 October) after a suspected drug overdose during a four-day $75,000 bender at Dennis Hof's Love Ranch brothel in Pahrump, Nevada.

Nye County Sheriff's Department said the 35-year-old was taken to the Desert View Hospital in nearby Pahrump before being transferred to Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas. Odom is believed to have suffered a stroke and has been on life support since the incident. Members of the Kardashian family immediately headed to the hospital to gather around his bedside, fearing the worst.

However, following a dramatic recovery, E! News reports that Odom opened his eyes and gave a thumbs up to ex-wife Khloe Kardashian and said: "Hey baby." When asked he if he wanted to see his children Destiny, 17, and Lamar Jr, 13, he said "Yes."

He is also reportedly no longer using a breathing tube and his heart showed signs of increased function, a source at the Las Vegas facility told USA Today. It was previously reported that Odom's organs were failing and while there has been no official statement regarding his condition, it's still uncertain what long term damage the former LA Laker may have suffered.

Khloe Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Kylie, Kim, and Kourtney all arrived at the hospital to be by his bedside as soon as the news broke. Rob Kardashian, who shared a close bond with his former brother-in-law, also came out of seclusion to support him. The family have now reportedly boarded a flight out of Las Vegas, however ex-wife Khloe has refused to leave Odom's side. Odom and Khloe married in 2009 after a whirlwind romance but in 2013, Khloe filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce was finalised in July this year.

According to People magazine, Khloe was given responsibility for making medical decisions about Odom's treatment, as it emerged that the couple are still legally married since their divorce has not been processed.

Posting identical statements online last night, Khloe, Kim, Kendall, Kylie and Kourtney said they had suspended all activity on their paid-for apps while they focus on his recovery. ".

Explaining their lack of activity to fans, they said: "As a family we've decided to hold off on publishing content across our apps while we continue to support and pray for Lamar. Thank you for your kindness and understanding during this difficult time."

Lamar Odom's children, Lamar Jr and Destiny, have also spoken about their father just hours after visiting his bedside. In a statement given to E! News, they said: 'Thanks for your outpouring of prayers and support for our dad. We are here with our family and friends. We appreciate everyone respecting our privacy at this time. We ask for your continued prayers."

It's thought that the basketball star's drug binge was triggered by an upsetting call on Sunday (11 October), in connection with his portrayal on Keeping up with the Kardashians,

According to TMZ, the sports star became 'irate' after the conversation which was related to an episode of the E! reality show in which his ex-wife Khloe reveals her fears for Lamar following the recent drug-related death of his best friend. She expressed her concerns that Lamar would 'spiral' out of control after suffering another loss in his life.