Khloe & Lamar's typical "in it to win it" attitude struggles under the pressure of Lamar's changing basketball career. (E! Entertainment).

This week’s episode of “Khloe and Lamar” takes a drastic detour from the fun-loving, carefree nature of the couple we know and love.

Last week, Lamar was told he’d been traded to the Dallas Mavericks. The poor guy didn’t want to leave his beloved Lakers (duh) – he even got a tad steamy-eyed – but a pro basketball player’s gotta do what he’s gotta do, right?

Lamar's stress levels weren't the only ones going through the roof. Khloe was crushed by the realization that her close Kardashian family ties would likely be harder to maintain in Dallas…although we have no doubt Kris Jenner will be making frequent flights to the Lone Star State in order to mend momager-related separation anxiety.

As “Khloe and Lamar” often offers, viewers were left with an it’ll-all-be-okay-in-the-end, Khlo-and-Lam-Lam-will-conquer sort of feeling. However, the couple’s most recent behavior shows signs of a marriage in distress as Lamar rejects Khloe’s efforts to make him happy in their new city.

Kris bids Khloe farewell in tears and worry for her daughter. Shoot...what’s Khloe going to do without her mom living less than 20 minutes away? Unfortunately, that’s the least of Khloe’s problems. While she deals with the all-too-sudden life change of moving to Dallas for her husband, Lammy himself has so much on his plate that it’s affecting his relationship with Khloe.

Number one on Khloe’s list upon her arrival in Dallas: house shopping. As old fans might remember, the couple’s last house hunt was relatively adorable. The honeymoon stage was in full swing when they settled into their first home (castle) together. This time around, they most definitely were not all smiles.

Not only is Lamar still emotionally distraught over leaving his Lakers, but he discovers he’s mentally and physically out of shape. Intense practices with the Mavs prove to be a grueling experience, leaving him too tired to give Khloe any attention, or even the time of day, when he returns to their hotel suite every night. If he can’t even acknowledge a romantic dinner planned by Khloe – complete with rose petals, candles, the works – how are the two supposed to muster the energy and positivity that searching for a new home requires?

Khloe narrows down housing options to a few apartments and takes Lamar on a tour so they can make a final decision together. Surprise! Lamar doesn’t approve of her favorite. Why? Because it doesn’t have enough bedrooms to house guests like Jamie, Lamar’s best friend, who apparently plans on visiting for weeks at a time. This is news for a very frustrated Khloe. Puzzling, isn’t it? Who wouldn’t want to live with an unresponsive husband and his jobless BFF? Roomies of a lifetime.

For the first time, we actually see Khloe and Lamar fight as he yells at her in front of the realtor. This goes beyond bickering, and it’s clear that the move, new team, and stress of finding a new home has put the couple on edge.

Lamar’s first game with Mavs only deepens their issues. He misses his shots and feels as if he has yet to establish chemistry with his teammates. A truly depressed Lamar rejects the thoughtful dinner and even Khloe’s attempts at a little romance. All he wants to do is pass out. We can’t blame him for that, but a little acknowledgement for Khlo would be nice.

Usually thick-skinned, Khloe breaks down and calls her mother. Wise Kris reminds Khloe that while Lamar is lucky to have such caring wife, it’s important that she look after herself, too. Lamar walks in on teary-eyed Khlo and finally realizes that the effects of his anxiety have done damage to his loving wife. He tiredly assures her that it’ll all be okay in the end.

Usually, a situation like this would cue an inspirational aside from one of our stars, something to ensure fans that no matter what, the power couple will prevail. We didn’t get that this week. As much as it pains me to say it, one can’t help but wonder if recent divorce rumors have validity. At the same time, if their relationship can withstand fame, critique, and being aired on national television, who’s to say they can’t handle a little basketball team switch-up? We’re rooting for you, Khlomar!

Reach reporter Anna Zhang here or follow her on Twitter here.