Lamar Odom: Huge Step In Recovery ... Walking On His Own

Lamar Odom made a huge stride in his recovery this week ... taking steps for the first time without assistance.

Sources close to Lamar tell us he hadn't been able to move without a walker. We're told Thursday Lamar ditched the walker and took three steps, shocking the docs.

Lamar has had limited range of motion in his hands, but during a recent visit from Khloe he was able to reach above his head to put his hood on ... a BIG step.

And that's not all ... his brain function is slowly improving. He was able to recognize a hospital staff member, which is significant considering at one point he couldn't even recognize family.

We're told Lamar will soon be moved to a rehab facility.