For Lamar Odom, who has talked openly about all the tragedy in his life, there was a good moment for him to enjoy.

His dad, Joseph Odom, whom Lamar has grown closer to over the years, attended Game 2 of the Western Conference second-round playoff series against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center.

It was the second game Lamar's dad has attended this season and it was clear that Odom appreciated having him here.

Lamar's mother, Cathy, died when he was younger. His grandmother, Mildred Mercer, raised him, but she also passed away.

His infant son, Jayden, died after suffocating in his crib. Lamar has two other kids.

Having his dad, who still lives in New York, at Wednesday night's game was uplifting for Odom.

``I don't have any immediate family,'' Odom said. ``I don't have no brothers, no sisters. My mother passed away. For me and my pops to be cool like we are, it's important. My father dealt with things that he had to deal with. Since I was young, we've tighten up things.''

-- Broderick Turner
-- bturner@PE.com

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