In a fortunate turn of events, former NBA star Lamar Odom has woken up from his coma, is breathing on his own and has communicated with his estranged wife Khloé Kardashian, E! News exclusively reported. Odom had been placed under a medically induced coma after he was found unconscious in a Nevada brothel on Tuesday afternoon and remained in critical condition for about 72 hours.

Odom opened his eyes on Friday, a source told E! News. When he saw Kardashian, he said "Hey baby," then gave her a thumbs up before going back to sleep. The source also said that Odom is breathing on his own and is no longer using a ventilator.

This news comes just hours after additional reports claimed that Odom opened his eyes on Friday afternoon and communicated "yes" when he was asked if he wanted to see his children, as previously reported by HNGN. Odom has two children, daughter Destiny and son Lamar Jr., from a previous relationship.

The two-time NBA champion was found unconscious at Dennis Hof's Love Ranch in Crystal, Nev., on Tuesday afternoon, and 911 calls confirmed that Odom had used cocaine and taken up to 10 herbal Viagra pills, as previously reported by HNGN. The incident is currently under investigation.

Odom's condition drew an outpouring of love and support from his friends and family, HNGN previously reported. Many of them shared sweet messages for Odom on social media, including Kardashian/Jenner matriarch Kris Jenner. She uploaded a photo of Odom celebrating a victory with his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers.

"Please pray for Lamar," Jenner wrote in her caption on Instagram, along with the hashtag #OurFighter."