Reports: Odom conscious, breathing on his own in Las Vegas hospital

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Former Los Angeles basketball star Lamar Odom is conscious and breathing on his own in a Las Vegas hospital, news reports said Friday, three days after he was found completely unresponsive at a Nevada brothel.

ESPN reported Friday that a source said medical personnel removed Odom's breathing tube, but he remains in critical condition. USA Today also cited a source that said he also opened his eyes.

The former Lakers and Clippers star was taken to Sunrise Hospital on Tuesday after he collapsed at a brothel outside Las Vegas. Investigators said brothel employees reported he had used cocaine days before his collapse.

Odom also reportedly had taken herbal sexual enhancement supplements, many of which were repeatedly flagged this year by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration over concerns that they contain prescription medication and pose a risk to users who have no way of knowing exactly what they are ingesting.

Sources at the hospital have said Odom's condition is improving and that scans of his heart have shown increased signs of activity.

Brothel owner Dennis Hof told investigators that Odom, who is married to but separated from Khloe Kardashian, paid $75,000 for his visit to Hof's Love Ranch.

"That was his number," Hof said earlier this week. "What he wanted was two girls, 24 hours a day to take care of any of his needs."

Kardashian, along with her sisters Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner, released a joint statement Thursday night on their websites supporting Odom.

"As a family, we've decided to hold off on publishing content across our apps while we continue to support and pray for Lamar," it read. "Thank you for your kindness and understanding during this difficult time."

Odom's father and two children, who have been at his bedside, released a statement Thursday asking for prayers.

"Thank you for your outpouring of prayers and support for our dad," the statement read. "We are here with our family and friends. We appreciate everyone respecting our privacy at this time. We ask for your continued prayers."