Lamar Odom -- Makes Triumphant Return ... To Instagram

Looks like Lamar Odom is following in the footsteps of his old buddy Rob Kardashian ... returning to Instagram after a lengthy time away.

Odom has been very low key since allegations earlier this year that he ambushed Khloe Kardashian outside a Los Angeles SoulCycle ... assertions that Odom vehemently denied to TMZ Sports.

What's more interesting than the fact that Lamar is posting is WHAT he's posting ... pictures of his healthy eating and past bball accomplishments ... hint that the return might be the beginnings of an attempt to restore his reputation.