Being the son of an NBA legend comes with its perks, and Kiyan Anthony is quickly learning that popularity on and off the court is part of the package. The 17-year-old high school basketball star is already one of the most talked-about prospects in his class, and his growing reputation has made him a magnet for attention—especially from young women.
His mother, La La Anthony, recently took to social media to playfully call out her son for putting her in an unexpected position: playing matchmaker at his games. In a now-viral video, La La, the actress and TV personality, jokingly confronted Kiyan during a conversation, saying:
“Stop having girls hand me numbers for you at your games. Why are they giving me their numbers to give to you during your game?”
Clearly embarrassed, Kiyan covered his face and laughed, responding with a simple, “I don’t know,” before receiving a lighthearted smack from his mother.
La La reveals that girls are coming up to her giving her their numbers for her son, Kiyan Anthony who is projected to be a first round pick in the NBA draft in 2026. 🤯
— My Mixtapez (@mymixtapez) February 3, 2025
The clip, which quickly made the rounds on social media, had fans laughing at the relatable parenting moment. Many parents chimed in, saying they’d never let their teenage son off the hook for putting them in that situation.
La La, who has been a strong and involved presence in her son’s life, often shares glimpses of their relationship. While this moment was all in good fun, it was also a clear sign that Kiyan is growing up fast and stepping into the limelight.
Kiyan, the son of NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, is one of the most highly recruited players in his class. As a 6’5” shooting guard, he has showcased impressive skills at Long Island Lutheran High School, and his stock continues to rise.
With the Anthony name carrying weight in basketball circles, Kiyan announced his commitment to Syracuse University—the same school where his father led the Orange to an NCAA championship in 2003. While the basketball world has high expectations for him, Kiyan’s increasing fame is also making waves outside the sport. His mother’s viral post only confirms what many already knew—he’s becoming a star.
With all the attention Kiyan is getting, other athletes have taken notice and offered their advice. WNBA star Angel Reese, known for her dominant play and outspoken personality, warned Kiyan about navigating the attention that comes with fame.
After the podcast episode, Carmelo Anthony and La La Anthony discussed Reese’s advice on their podcast, “7PM in Brooklyn”. La La immediately approved of Reese’s wisdom, saying:
“I f**k with it, yes! I think that’s the best advice. I’m so glad she told him. I love her. She’s like family, and she’s like a big sister. And I think it’s good for him to hear it from somebody other than his mom.”
Carmelo, who rose to basketball stardom as a teenager, agreed with Reese’s warning, adding:
“It’s necessary. She’s been in college, she knows what goes on. That’s good, you know, big sis advice for him.”
In typical teenager fashion, Kiyan tried to brush it off, responding to his parents’ serious conversation with a hilarious “F**k outta here“—a moment that had everyone laughing.
Kiyan is not just another basketball prospect—he’s a young player with massive expectations. Having Carmelo Anthony as a father, La La Anthony as a mother, and a long list of NBA connections means he will always be under the spotlight.
However, having a solid support system will help him navigate the challenges of fame. Both La La and Carmelo know firsthand how stardom affects young athletes, and they’re making sure their son stays on the right path.
La La’s recent viral post, though lighthearted, is also a reminder that the attention on Kiyan is only going to grow as he gets closer to college and eventually the NBA. With Syracuse as his next stop, Kiyan will have big shoes to fill. His father’s legendary run at the school is one of the greatest freshman seasons in NCAA history, leading the Orange to a national championship in 2003.
While it’s unfair to expect Kiyan to match his father’s exact path, he has the talent and work ethic to carve out his own legacy. At the same time, his life off the court will continue to be a topic of conversation. As La La’s video proves, Kiyan is already a fan favorite—and he hasn’t even stepped onto a college court yet.
For now, though, he’ll have to deal with his mom exposing his popularity one Instagram post at a time.
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