Lamar Odom is “way, way better” and able to breathe on his own, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne.

Lamar Odom is “way, way better” and able to breathe on his own, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. He remains in critical condition, but is now using a breathing mask instead of a breathing tube.

According to Brad Turner of The Los Angeles Times, Odom is speaking sentences and texting on Saturday.

Shelburne reported early on Friday that Odom began breathing on his own and was able to speak for the first time since being hospitalized on Tuesday.​

Odom, 35, was found unconscious on Tuesday afternoon at a Nevada brothel and taken by ambulance to Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas. The Nye County (Nev.) Sheriff’s Office confirmed reports Wednesday that Odom had been using cocaine and “sexual performance enhancers” during a multi-day stay at the Love Ranch in Crystal, Nev.

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SI Vault: The odyssey of Lamar Odom

Odom’s childhood friend Daniel Artest, the brother of Lakers forward Metta World Peace, tweeted on Friday that Odom had opened his eyes and was able to squeeze the hand of estranged wife Khloe Kardashian, who has been with him in the hospital. It is not clear when in the past 24 hours these events may have occurred. Artest called Odom’s condition “critical but stable.”

Odom began his NBA career in 1999 with the Los Angeles Clippers, before moving on to play with the Heat, Lakers and Mavericks. He won two titles as a member of the Lakers alongside Kobe Bryant in 2009 and 2010.

Gallery: Classic photos of Lamar Odom

Classic Photos of Lamar Odom 29 Gallery 29 Images

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- Jeremy Woo, Kayla Lombardo and Kenny Ducey