And then there was one. Weeks after New Jersey Nets forward Kris Humphries finally caved in to the Kim Kardashian mania, Los Angeles Lakers star Lamar Odom found himself the lone survivor heading into his birthday celebration.
Odom turns 32 and celebrates with Khloe Kardashian and her family
Most NBA fans who think about Lamar Odom know him as the powerful sixth man for the Los Angeles Lakers whom he helped win back to back championships in 2008 and 2009. Outside sports, anyone who watches television knows Odom is the high-profile husband of reality TV personality Khloe Kardashian, sister to recently divorced Kim Kardashian. Odom was the first athlete to marry into the Kardashian family. He's been with Khloe for over two years now following their wedding on Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Given that fellow NBA star Kris Humphries barely lasted 72 days with Kim, it's remarkable how Lamar has survived the constant hurricane of life around the Kardashian family. Even his 32nd birthday made headlines when the Kardashians showed up to celebrate with him, minus Kim of course.
Kim Kardashian flies to Minnesota to visit ex-husband Humphries
One thing Lamar Odom presents that Kris Humphries couldn't avoid was a stubborn doggedness to stay out of the tabloids for his off-court actions. That failure by Kris continues thanks to ex-wife Kim who surprised critics and fans by flying to his hometown in Minnesota for some "closure." True or not, it's curious how this whole mess will affect Humphries once the NBA lockout ends. While LeBron James mulls an NFL career and Dwyane Wade tries his hand at fashion, it seems only Lamar Odom is tough enough to handle the Kardashian mess with any semblance of calm.
Odom and Humphries share common ground on NBA career front
Outside of their ties to the Kardashian family tree, Odom and Humphries share a common cause in their fight as players during the NBA lockout. While neither has voiced a very strong opinion in the media despite a ridiculous number of chances, they must understand the clear situation facing them if basketball doesn't get going soon. Lamar Odom recently signed a new contract with the Lakers, but Humphries is a free agent and has no job during the lockout.
Several NBA players have already travelled overseas to play in Europe and Asia. League owners have offered the players a 50-50 split of revenue that got turned down, but how long can they? Humphries no longer has the Kardashian honey hole to dip in when he wants, which may explain why Kim must pay to keep her engagement ring. A huge chunk of the 2011-2012 schedule has already gotten cancelled and fears linger that the Christmas part is next. Odom and Humphries might not have the biggest voices in basketball, but their time with the Kardashians must have taught them that speaking loudly enough tends to get heard.
Perhaps Lamar should celebrate his birthday by helping Humphries get a fitting divorce present: his job back.
recommend
Facebook
Twitter
bookmark 
print
Comments: 9