James Harden, an annual NBA scoring champion contender, has exploded in popularity. While much of his high profile stems from being one of the most entertaining – and recognizable – athletes in the world, Harden has lots of crossover appeal. He is dating reality TV star Khloe Kardashian, and always has people guessing when it comes to his footwear.

Even when he’s quiet, it generates buzz. When Kardashian’s estranged husband Lamar Odom was fighting for his life in a Nevada hospital with her by his side, Harden was not one of the many NBA stars offering prayers up on Twitter. That, in itself, was a story. He’s come a long way from being a dynamic sixth man for the Thunder.

Lamar Odom Says "Hey Baby" To Khloe At The Hospital

"It comes with it," Harden said. "So I try not to get too overwhelmed. I'm not going to sit there and be in the house and be shackled up. I'm really like a normal guy. I like to do normal things. Just because I'm a professional basketball player, I'm not going to sit in the house and not do anything. I'm going to go to Target. I'm going to go to Petco and get food for my dog. I'm going to go to Chipotle.”

Now, Odom is off a ventilator and doctors expect him to be able to recover, albeit after months of rehab. Odom was found unconscious in a Las Vegas brothel. It is believed he took as many as 10 sexual performance enhancement pills, and also did cocaine. Kardashian has been by his side at the hospital, and sources tell People Magazine she won’t leave.

Does James Harden Even Care About Odom's Plight?

Kardashian "is happy he is off the ventilator and is breathing on his own, but she is still scared and still concerned," the source said. "He's woken up and his heart is stronger, but there is still concern about his organs."

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