Lamar Odom reportedly checked into rehab because of the upcoming birthday of his deceased son.

Lamar Odom

Lamar Odom

The 37-year-old basketball player voluntarily checked into a rehabilitation centre near San Diego, California, earlier this week, and it has now been reported that he did so in order to avoid temptation from drink and drugs as the 10th birthday of his late son approaches.

Jayden Odom was born on December 15 2005, to Lamar and Liza Morales - who also share Destiny, 18, and Lamar Jr., 14 - and died the following June at just six months old from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

According to TMZ.com, Lamar - who recently finalised his divorce with reality star Khloe Kardashian - "checked himself into rehab out of fear he'd go on a major bender as his deceased son's birthday approached".

Lamar's decision to enter rehab also comes a year after he was hospitalised after a drink and drug binge at a Nevada brothel.

A source said of his rehabilitation: "He went to continue making sure he stays sober and on the right path. It was something he chose to do. He did it for his kids and also wanted to feel 100 percent again. He did not relapse, but felt like he wanted to get away and start fresh for the New Year."

Meanwhile, Lamar's divorce from the 32-year-old 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' star will be official as of Saturday (17.12.16).

Whilst the relationship is "completely" over, Khloe still wants Lamar "to be safe".

A source said of their relationship: "Lamar is out of her life completely. No animosity there - she still cares about him, she still wants him to be safe, but it's over."

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