Lamar Odom’s Dad Says ‘I’m Depressed’ About Illness

By:Radar Staff

Feb. 23 2012, Published 5:00 a.m. ET

By RadarOnline.com Staff

Lamar Odom’s father, Joe Odom, is “gravely ill” -- so much so that his son is missing basketball games, and he exclusively told RadarOnline.com that the undisclosed illness is wearing him down so much that he is “distressed” and “depressed.”

Khloe Kardashian’s father-in-law spoke about his illness, saying “I’m doing good. I’m stressed out and distressed.”

Joe, who has long battled a debilitating heroin addiction, which his son has discussed on his reality show, Khloe & Lamar, said he is trying to cope with his illness.

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“I’m doing a lot better. But I’m depressed right now. I’m getting some rest,” he said.

Joe didn’t elaborate further, but told RadarOnline.com, “It is a problem that I had.”

As RadarOnline.com previously reported, Lamar is taking the rest of the week off from playing for the Dallas Mavericks in light of the family drama.

“Khloe and Lamar were really upset about the news about Joe,” a source said. “They’re putting their schedules on hold right now to be there for him.”