La La Anthony, a well-known television personality and actress, has opened up about why she has chosen to keep her last name, even three years after her divorce from NBA star Carmelo Anthony. Her decision is deeply rooted in her love and support for her 17-year-old son, Kiyan, who is on the verge of pursuing an NBA career himself. La La shared her thoughts on the matter during a panel discussion at Fanatics Fest in New York City, where she candidly discussed her life post-divorce and her role as a mother.
La La and Carmelo Anthony tied the knot in 2010 after dating for seven years, forming one of the most iconic couples in the sports and entertainment worlds. However, their marriage hit a rough patch in 2017 when they decided to separate. Although they briefly reconciled in 2018, La La ultimately filed for divorce in June 2021. Despite their split, La La and Carmelo have maintained an amicable relationship, particularly when it comes to co-parenting their son, Kiyan.
During the panel, La La spoke with pride about Kiyan’s blossoming basketball career, which has already garnered significant attention. He is currently ranked as the No. 1 high school basketball player in New York, a title that brings its own set of pressures and expectations. La La’s decision to keep the Anthony surname is closely tied to her son’s burgeoning career. She envisions a future where she can proudly wear his NBA jersey, emblazoned with the name “Anthony,” and support him as he steps into the limelight.
“The moment of being able to buy Kiyan’s NBA jersey will be surreal,” La La shared during the discussion. When moderator Taylor Rooks pointed out that this might be one of the reasons she’s held onto the Anthony name, La La confirmed,
“That’s exactly why I haven’t changed my last name yet. I’m going to keep it around for a little while longer!”
La La’s focus on her son’s future is clear, and she’s made it evident that her priorities lie with supporting Kiyan, no matter where his career takes him. When asked how she would feel if Kiyan were drafted by a team other than the New York Knicks, La La didn’t hesitate. “It won’t be hard at all! I’m going wherever my kid goes,” she said, laughing. “Wherever my kid is at, that’s who I’m rooting for.”
This unwavering support for her son is something La La cherishes, viewing it as a new chapter in her life.
“It’s different when it’s your child,” she explained. “It’s like a whole new journey that I’m embarking on with him.”
Kiyan, who has been exposed to the spotlight all his life due to his parents’ fame, prefers to stay out of it. La La mentioned that her son is humble and doesn’t enjoy being in front of the camera, a trait that sets him apart in a world often dominated by social media and public attention. “He’s seen the limelight his whole life, so he’s used to it, but he’s also incredibly humble. He really hates being on camera,” La La noted.
La La’s close relationship with her son also brings some humorous challenges. She joked about how Kiyan’s protective nature has made her feel like a teenager again, sneaking around to text or call potential dates. “I’m like, ‘You just want your mom to be alone forever?’ and he’s like, ‘Kind of,’” she shared, laughing at the situation.
Since their split, neither La La nor Carmelo have publicly dated anyone, with La La focusing primarily on her son and her career. Her decision to keep the Anthony name is a testament to her dedication as a mother, ensuring that her son’s journey is supported every step of the way, even as she navigates her own new path post-divorce.
