Was Lamar Odom Excused From Basketball to Comfort 'Gravely Ill' Father?
Lamar Odom's father's declining health is believed to be the reason that the Dallas Mavericks star is taking time off from the court until after the All-Star break.
While the power forward's coach, Rick Carlislie, revealed that Odom was granted time off to tend to a "family matter," a source close to situation recently elaborated on the 33-year-old's sudden court absence following Wednesday night's game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
"Lamar's dad is gravely ill, and he wanted time off to be with him," the source told Radar Online.
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"Khloe and Lamar were really upset about the news about Joe. They're putting their schedules on hold right now to be there for him," the source added.
Joe Odom, Odom's father, has previously appeared on the E! Reality show "Khloe & Lamar" which follows the chaotic lives of Odom and his reality star wife Khloe Kardashian.
Although it is still unclear what exactly has attributed to Joe's ailing health, reports suggest that he is not doing well.
"It's a really serious medical condition. This is the peak of the season, the Mavs really needed Lamar because the team depends on him, but they totally understand that family comes first," the source explained.
"It was really serious for Lamar to take the break right now and last night proved it, but no one is holding it against him," the source said with reference to Odom's Wednesday night absence.
Odom, who has had three children from a previous relationship though one tragically died, was traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Dallas Mavericks in December and appeared to be unhappy about his move.
"They don't want my services, for whatever reason...I don't know what I'm supposed to do. I was proud to be a Laker, so I'll try to help them in the process as much as possible," Odom previously complained to Brad Turner of The L.A. Times.
Since joining the Mavericks, the 13 year veteran has been posting some of the lowest numbers of his career, which fans insist will change as he adjusts to his new team.
Odom's teammates have reportedly been offering him support since learning of Joe's condition."The team is all pulling for Lamar's dad and hope that he gets better. Their thoughts and prayers are with he and Khloe at this time," the source said.
