While his teammates were preparing for a Wednesday night game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Staples Center, Clippers forward Lamar Odom spent Tuesday in a New York courtroom trying to resolve a child-custody case with his former girlfriend.
The New York Post and the website TMZ.com reported that Odom and Liza Morales are in a dispute over the custody and visitation of their two children, a daughter, Destiny, 9, and a son, Lamar Jr., 5.
Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro said Odom’s absence was excused and that he was expected to return to Los Angeles on Tuesday night.
Presumably, Odom will be able to catch up on his sleep on the flight home. According to the Post, Odom fell asleep on the courthouse bench while waiting for lawyers to finish conferencing. A court officer had to ask Odom to sit up, and he complied, but he slumped over and rested his head on his hand.
Odom was never married to Morales. He is currently wed to Khloe Kardashian.
TMZ reported that in addition to child support and visitation, Odom and Morales are in a dispute over whether their children can appear in TV reality shows.
