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JaNean Mercer: Lamar Odom’s Aunt Supports Khloe Kardashian Reunion, ‘We Truly Love & Respect Whomever He Loves’

By Lindsay Cronin
Published on: 08:13 PST, Oct 22, 2015

JaNean Mercer, the aunt of Lamar Odom, is in support of his decision to remain married to wife Khloe Kardashian. On Thursday, JaNean Mercer, who arrived in Las Vegas last Wednesday to be by Odom’s side, along with Kardashian and other members of their family, including his daughter, 17-year-old Destiny; his son, 13-year-old Lamar Jr.; and their mother, Liza Morales, gave an update on his health.

Below is JaNean Mercer’s statement, via an October 22 report by E! News:

“To our overwhelming delight, Lamar’s courageous improvement continues on the incline in Los Angeles. He is beginning to gradually flourish both mentally and physically. His use of speech has increased and he’s more cognitively responsive. His medical team has executed an aggressive therapy regimen to aid in his progress.”

Also in her statement, JaNean Mercer addressed the recent news of Odom and Kardashian calling off their divorce. On Wednesday, October 21, TMZ revealed Kardashian’s attorney had appeared in front of a judge to request their petition to end their marriage be thrown out, which it was. According to the report, Odom and Kardashian both signed the documents (Odom did so from his hospital bed).

“As a family, we will remain united in our love and devotion to Lamar’s health and well being. Again, that is our NUMBER ONE priority… In SINCERELY loving Lamar, we truly love and respect whomever he loves. We always have and will continue to do so. Together as a team, we will support and encourage him always.”

With JaNean Mercer and other members of his family remaining at his side, Odom certainly has an incredible team. Ever since he was hospitalized last Tuesday, the former professional basketball player has been surrounded by loved ones, especially Kardashian, who hasn’t left his side since she arrived in Las Vegas. The two even traveled to Los Angeles together in a medical helicopter.

In addition to JaNean Mercer, Odom received hospital visits from Kobe Bryant; Master P; Chris Paul; Reverend Jesse Jackson; Kourtney and Kim Kardashian; Kendall, Kylie and Kris Jenner; and Odom’s father, Joe. One person who wasn’t happy about all the visits was the man who was responsible for Kardashian and Odom’s relationship, Metta World Peace, formerly Ron Artest.

In an interview with the LA Daily News, Metta World Peace explained why he was so upset at all the visitors, who were traveling to Las Vegas, and later, Los Angeles, to see his former teammate.

“This is nothing against Khloe. This is for the celebrities that are coming to see Lamar. They should know they’re taking time away from Lamar’s children…The only Kardashian that needs to be there is Khloe. Not every Kardashian needs to be around. They need to keep it simple, so Lamar’s children can see him whenever they want to see him. They’re waiting in line to see their own father.”

As fans may recall, Odom and Kardashian met in August 2009 at a party thrown by Metta World Peace in Los Angeles. Thirty days later, the couple tied the knot in an elegant ceremony attended by family and friends, and from there, they continued to document their relationship on Keeping Up With The Kardashians and Khloe & Lamar, their spinoff which ran for two seasons on the E! Network.

It is unknown whether or not JaNean Mercer has remained in Los Angeles with Odom in the days following his arrival.

[Photo via Instagram]

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