Lamar Odom’s ex-Los Angeles Lakers teammate Metta World Peace has spoken out against the Kardashian family for keeping too close an eye on the former “Khloe & Lamar” star as he recovers from a health crisis that has attracted national media attention.
World Peace, who returned to the Lakers in September after a stint playing basketball abroad, told the Los Angeles Daily News that he thinks there are too many “celebrities” visiting Odom, and called out the Kardashians in particular for interfering with the athlete’s interaction with his family.
“This is nothing against Khloe [Kardhasian]. This is for the celebrities that are coming to see Lamar,” World Peace said. “They should know they’re taking time away from Lamar’s children.”
World Peace appeared on CNN last week to discuss what may have led to Odom being found unconscious in a Nevada brothel, where he spent $75,000 before collapsing.
“Lamar grew up in unfortunate circumstances, so Khloé probably was a good thing to happen to him … the TV show wasn’t, L.A. probably wasn’t, and Hollywood probably wasn’t,” World Peace told Don Lemon.
He said he has harbored “bitter” feelings over his friend’s very public divorce with Khloe, a prominent member of the Kardashian reality TV franchise, but was making an effort to avoid making any negative comments about the family he married into.
“I want to stay positive and say all the right things because I don’t want to say anything Lamar wouldn’t approve of,” World Peace said.
But it appears he has changed his tune.
“The only Kardashian that needs to be there is Khloe,” World Peace said more recently. “Not every Kardashian needs to be around. They need to keep it simple, so Lamar’s children can see him whenever they want to see him. They’re waiting in line to see their own father.”
Kendall Jenner, Kris Jenner and Kim Kardashian flew from Los Angeles to Las Vegas on Saturday to join Khloe at the medical center caring for Odom. Kim later posted of the visit on Instagram, “Lammy, I’m so happy Kendall and I could make you smile today! God is good!”
The famous family released a statement last week reading, “As a family we’ve decided to hold off on publishing content across our apps while we continue to support and pray for Lamar. Thank you for your kindness and understanding during this difficult time.”
World Peace said he has not yet found time to visit Odom due to obligations to his team, which signed the player to a non-guaranteed contract through training camp.