Crushing Hard on Zendaya, Carmelo Anthony’s 16YO Son Recounts Bizarre Encounter Caused by Mother La La

It is understandable why someone would panic while meeting Zendaya. The 27-year-old actress is arguably this generation’s biggest crush and has numerous fans in the basketball world as well, including Carmelo Anthony‘s 16-year-old son. While he continues making waves on the basketball court, Kiyan Anthony has admitted to having a major childhood crush on Zendaya when he appeared in an episode of ‘GOAT Talk With Complex’ alongside his mother. Kiyan revisited an unusual childhood encounter with Zendaya.

On being asked who his GOAT childhood celebrity crush was, Kiyan responded with nothing but “Zendaya”. La La instantly agreed to his answer and recollected the time she arranged for her son to meet Zendaya. “You panicked and you didn’t even know what to say. Like you couldn’t even get the words hello out your mouth, you remember that?” Anthony agreed with his mother on this bizarre encounter with a smile and nod of approval.

The episode also featured an old photo of Kiyan with Zendaya, the moment La La was talking about. The image showed Kiyan as a blushing child with Zendaya’s arms wrapped around him. Clicked by La La, the photos had made rounds on the internet back then. She had even thanked Zendaya for making her son’s day while praising the teen star, “she’s a beautiful girl inside and out.”

From ‘GOAT Deli Order’ to ‘GOAT Fashion Brand’, the NBA star’s son had a fun and light-hearted discussion with his mother on several such topics. As validated by fans in the comment section of the video, the episode featuring the mother-son duo reflected a chill and healthy bond between the two.

Zeroing in on the bond shared between the mother-son duo

La La got separated from her husband Carmelo Anthony back in 2021. She, however, ensured a healthy relationship with her ex-partner for their son’s betterment. “We are incredible friends, we created this incredible human being, and we want to be a great example to him,” La La said. This came during a conversation about her co-parenting situation in a podcast episode with Jemele Hill.

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La La also highlighted how she always got Kiyan’s back when it came to his individuality. “Your journey does not have to mimic your dad’s journey. If at any point through the journey, you’re like, ‘Hey this isn’t for me,’ it’s fine,” La La recollected her conversation with Kiyan.

Kiyan too has reciprocated this unconditional love and support on multiple occasions. The 16-year-old high-school guard made one such gesture on Valentine’s Day this year. He presented a note to his mother reading, “Mom, you have been my valentine for 16 years now…Thank you for everything you do words can’t express how thankful I am to have to you in my life.”

That genuine bond was on full display during their most recent interview and it’s great viewing. What are your thoughts on Kiyan’s encounter with Zendaya? Let us know in the comments below.

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