Khloe Kardashian Comforts Lamar Odom On 'KUWTK'

Some fans may find the fact that Khloe Kardashian keeps in contact with Lamar Odom surprising. After their whirlwind romance led to marriage in 2009, Khloe filed for divorce from Odom in 2013 amid rumors of philandering and drug abuse plaguing the NBA star. Khloe and Odom's divorce was finalized in July, but it appears that the reality star hasn't closed the door on maintaining a friendship with her ex-husband, despite their tumultuous past. In a clip for Sunday's episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Khloe is seen accepting a call from her ex, who had just received the heartbreaking news that his best friend since childhood, Jamie Sangouthai, had passed away. Fans will likely remember Sangouthai from his appearances during Khloe & Lamar, Khloe and Odom's short-lived KUWTK spinoff about their marriage.

"Lamar has suffered so much in his life," Khloe says during a confessional. "I'm always going to be there for Lamar, especially when something as tragic as this happens…I'm really on high alert for Lamar because anything will set him to spiral and that's kind of the last thing I want for him."

I can certainly empathize with Khloe's choice to comfort her ex-husband, as well as Odom's inclination to reach out to a woman who had such a profound role in his life, particularly during such a tragedy.

Not everyone has been understanding of Khloe and Odom's communication, however. In another KUWTK clip, Khloe's sister, Kim Kardashian, looks more than a little displeased to see Khloe engaged in a genial chat with her ex, labeling the conversation as flirtatious.

"I don't know why Khloé and Lamar are talking but he hurt her so badly," she says. "As a big sister, I'm just really protective and for her just to be flirting with him on the phone makes me, like, sick to my stomach."

As a sister myself, I totally get Kim's protective nature. That being said, Khloe shouldn't be judged for her continued communication with Odom. Never one to shy from asserting her opinion, Khloe was unapologetic in her choice to keep Odom as one of her contacts.

"Lamar and I loved each other deeply and I don't believe in just acting like that relationship never existed," she says during a confessional. "Things happened but that doesn't just stop me from caring about him or loving him, so if I feel the need to check on Lamar, that's my prerogative and I'm going to do it."

Despite their differences, Khloe and Odom had a significant impact on each other's lives — and that impact wasn't always riddled with tabloid fodder and transgressions. It would be nearly impossible for Khloe to completely nix caring for Odom, and vice versa. Given their trials, it would probably be best for Khloe to err on the side of caution — at least for a while — when it comes to forging a friendship with Odom, especially since their divorce was finalized so recently. Regardless, it certainly is Khloe's "prerogative" when it comes to how she chooses to handle things.

The complexity of relationships can be difficult to comprehend, especially for outside observers. While it can be easy to cast judgement, no one can truly understand the intricate details of a relationship except for the two parties involved. If Khloe and Odom are able to maintain a healthy friendship moving forward, I applaud them for their maturity — being friends with an ex is no easy feat. Either way, I wish both the best, whether they choose to be friends or stay apart.