Lamar Odom spent his first Christmas separated from soon-to-be ex-wife Khloe Kardashian shooting hoops with friends, according to HollywoodLife.com

The website adds the 34-year-old Odom seemed in good spirits as he valiantly tried to put his mounting troubles behind him. The couple formally split earlier this month, culminating with Kardashian citing irreconcilable differences in a divorce petition she filed on Dec. 13.

After attending a Christmas Eve party hosted by momager Kris Jenner, the website adds the 29-year-old reality TV star took to Instagram to post relationship advice for her more than seven million followers.

"Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher," the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star wrote. "Life is already filled with those who want to bring you down."

HollywoodLife reports the Jenner party was also attended by L.A. Dodgers star outfielder Matt Kemp, who is now rumored to be dating Kardashian and has been spotted across town with her several times since her breakup Odom.

An NBA free-agent, Odom previously told HollywoodLife he now plans to "marry" his basketball career.