At only 17 years old, Kiyan has already attracted national attention as a top high school basketball recruit.
La La Anthony has always been vocal about her love and support for her son, Kiyan Anthony, and recently, she opened up about what it means to watch him carve a path that closely mirrors that of his father, NBA legend Carmelo Anthony. With Kiyan gaining traction as a rising basketball star, La La finds herself reflecting on the weight and wonder of watching her son follow in such iconic footsteps.
In a heartfelt interview, La La expressed deep pride in Kiyan’s growth, not just as an athlete, but as a young man coming into his own. “It’s surreal,” she said. “To watch him step onto the court, knowing the legacy that name carries—it’s emotional. But I never want him to feel pressured to be his dad. I just want him to be Kiyan.”
At only 17 years old, Kiyan has already attracted national attention as a top high school basketball recruit. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard plays with poise, agility, and confidence beyond his years. College scouts and NBA analysts alike are already projecting a bright future for him. For La La, however, the most important thing is that Kiyan finds joy in the game and builds his own legacy.
“I tell him all the time, ‘You don’t have to be Melo. You just have to be the best version of Kiyan,’” she shared. “And I think he’s really embraced that. He’s got the work ethic, he’s got the discipline, and he definitely has the love for the game.”
Despite their divorce, La La maintains a strong co-parenting relationship with Carmelo Anthony. She says they are both equally invested in Kiyan’s development and always show up for him as a united front. “We’re his parents first,” she emphasized. “No matter what, Melo and I are on the same team when it comes to Kiyan. We want what’s best for him—always.”
La La also touched on how fame and public attention have shaped Kiyan’s journey. Growing up in the spotlight could easily be overwhelming, but she’s made a conscious effort to keep him grounded. “He’s grown up in a very unique environment. But I always stress the importance of humility and hard work,” she explained. “Talent is great, but character is what lasts.”
Kiyan, who currently plays for Long Island Lutheran High School, recently received scholarship offers from major NCAA programs, including Syracuse—the same university where his father became a college basketball sensation. Though comparisons are inevitable, La La insists Kiyan is focused on creating his own path and making choices that align with his individual goals.
“He’s got options, and he’s working hard every day,” La La said. “What makes me most proud is that he understands the importance of education, of being coachable, and being a good teammate. Those are qualities that will carry him far, on and off the court.”
Looking ahead, La La remains committed to supporting her son through every chapter of his journey. Whether that means cheering from the bleachers or helping him navigate college decisions, she says it’s all about love, balance, and encouragement.
“I’m his biggest fan,” she smiled. “No matter where basketball takes him, I just want him to be happy, to be fulfilled, and to know he’s loved and supported.”
As Kiyan Anthony’s star continues to rise, it’s clear that he has inherited not just his father’s skills, but also the unshakable support of a devoted mother. And with that combination, the sky’s the limit.
