“The most important thing…is just to stay close to Kiyan,” La La Anthony had once said like any other mother, prioritizing her son over everything else. Having gone through a “bad” separation with ex-husband Carmelo Anthony when Kiyan was just 11 years old, the son was like an anchor that helped La La stay afloat. Every moment since then, social media has been witness to the kind of bond the two share, and how important the rising basketball star has been in his mother’s life. Every game, every holiday, every birthday—or any other occasion for that matter—La La has always made sure she’s present. However, come Senior Night, the mother was amiss…

Earlier this week, the 17-year-old witnessed one of the most important days of his life. Appearing for a senior night game against IMG Academy for host Long Island Lutheran, the youngster made sure to turn heads, and make his future at Syracuse University all the more bright. And boy, was it electric!

With just 21.9 seconds left, Lutheran (ranked sixth in the ESPN SCNext Top 25) was tied with their fifth-ranked opponents. However, thanks to a fantastic effort by Dylan Mingo (the No. 18 ranked prospect in the class of 2026), and his brother Kayden, the Lutherans won with a last-minute three-pointer, bringing the score line to a close 68-65. “It’s a blessing. The last home game playing with my brother in high school. I’m blessed to be able to finish out his high school career like that,” said Dylan, who had 14 points and five rebounds in LuHi’s 15th straight victory. And Kiyan? Well, just one word from fans: Smitten.

Kiyan’s performance was a reminder that the Anthony legacy is in good hands. Ranked No. 36 in the 2025 ESPN 100 and a four-star recruit, he’s carving his own path to the NBA. With Carmelo’s guidance and his relentless drive, Kiyan is proving he’s more than just a famous last name. He is one of the best pure scorers in his class. The teenager averaged 19.6 PPG on the Nike EYBL circuit and 21.8 PPG at Peach Jam, including a 40-point explosion. As for the game, he contributed with a team-high 15 points, making his dad proud, who was present in person to watch history unfold. However, La La’s absence didn’t go unnoticed.

Though she couldn’t be there in person, she made sure her support was felt. She flooded her Instagram with love for Kiyan, posting, “Forever ur #1 fan… MOM, I embarrassed @kiyananthony with all these balloons in the gym for his senior night. Love you so much!” Among her celebratory Instagram stories, La La also shared an inspiring quote that resonated with her mission: “Success isn’t just about what you accomplish in your life; it’s about what you inspire others to do.” This message perfectly encapsulated her dual roles as a mother and a changemaker. But why was La La not present?

Well, going by her social media updates, looks like the 41-year-old was busy with some important work commitments, that have taken her to San Francisco. The actress posted a string of photos and videos from around the Brooklyn bridge on her Instagram Story, and even shared about her recent, and must we say, amazing achievement.

On February 16, during the NBA All-Star Weekend, as per an Instagram post on her official handle, La La was bestowed with the Jump Entertainment & Social Justice Changemaker Award. Captioned, “Thank you Larry Miller and JUMP for honoring me with the JUMP ENTERTAINMENT & SOCIAL JUSTICE CHANGEMAKER AWARD for my prison reform initiative @threesixty at Rikers Island. Thank you for seeing us and the hard work it takes to help those impacted by the criminal justice system. This was such a special night!!” the upload encapsulated her evening with several photos and videos.

For the unversed: The ThreeSixty program is an initiative by The La La Anthony Foundation, and aims at “providing mentorship and life coaching, legal services, and re-entry tools, to young men ages 18–21 years old who are incarcerated, specifically in the Robert N. Davoren (RNDC) Complex. Weekly interactions and meetings focus on life-building skills that are helpful during their time incarcerated and instrumental to re-entry into the community upon release. The team works to develop one-on-one connections with each of the young men, building trust, and solid relationships among the group and with each other individually.”

Top Comment by glideko25

I think he will get that chip in the NBA that eluded his pops

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Having said that, Kiyan Anthony has always been compared to his father, CA, but he’s carving out his own identity. While Carmelo was a pure scorer and a physical force, Kiyan brings in a mix of scoring and playmaking. “I have scoring ability and I can create for others,” he said, highlighting how his game differs from his dad’s. 

Kiyan Anthony: The Rising Star carrying the Anthony legacy

The 2026 NBA draft class is already generating buzz, and one name that’s steadily rising is Kiyan Anthony. The son of the NBA legend is determined to carve his path to the league. At just 17, he’s already making waves as a top recruit. He showcased the skills and work ethic that run in the Anthony bloodline.

Kiyan has proven he’s more than just a famous last name. Despite a minor injury that sidelined him for a month and cost him a spot in the McDonald’s All-American tournament, he’s bounced back stronger. His senior year performances have been nothing short of impressive, solidifying his status as one of New York’s top prospects.

Kiyan’s journey is uniquely tied to his father’s legacy. During the announcement on Carmelo’s podcast, “7PM in Brooklyn,” Kiyan expressed his desire to create his own legacy at Syracuse. While Carmelo mentors young talents like 17-year-old Mexican phenom Karim Lopez through the NBL’s Next Stars program, Kiyan is focused on leading Syracuse Orange, his father’s alma mater. The pressure of living up to Anthony’s name is real, but Kiyan is handling it with poise.

As the 2026 draft approaches, Kiyan’s goal is clear: to make his own mark in the NBA. With his relentless drive and the guidance of a 10-time NBA All-Star dad, he’s well on his way. The Anthony legacy is in good hands, and Kiyan is ready to prove he’s more than just Melo’s son—he’s a star in his own right.