Carmelo Anthony, a name once synonymous with NBA stardom, has recently found himself back in the spotlight, though not for his legendary basketball prowess. While the basketball world last buzzed about him due to his son Kiyan’s impressive 40-point performance in a high school game, it is now his personal life that has captured public attention. Reports from American media outlet TMZ reveal that Anthony is reportedly in a relationship with LaLa, the widow of the late NFL star Will Smith.
The burgeoning romance between Anthony and LaLa has been evident through a series of public appearances, with their proximity growing with each shared outing. From attending Bad Bunny’s concert in Puerto Rico to enjoying a lavish vacation in Saint-Tropez, France, their closeness has been increasingly documented. Neither Anthony nor LaLa has directly addressed the growing speculation, a strategic silence that, in its own way, has only served to amplify the rumors and, for many, solidify the notion of their romantic involvement.
Anthony’s romantic entanglements have, in fact, never been a closely guarded secret within NBA circles. The story of his first meeting with his former wife, LaLa, reads like a scene from a romantic comedy. It was a September day in 2004 when Anthony, then a rising star, encountered LaLa in a New York bar. Amidst a heated argument between LaLa and her then-fiancé, Anthony reportedly intervened, stepping in as a knight in shining armor. This dramatic introduction seemingly captured LaLa’s heart, leading to Anthony’s successful proposal in 2004 and their eventual marriage in 2010, a union that became a celebrated chapter in the annals of NBA relationships.
However, the passage of over a decade did not forge an unbreakable bond. Reports emerged of LaLa’s infidelity, while Anthony himself faced his share of off-court romantic entanglements. Ultimately, the couple chose a path of amicable separation, finalizing their divorce in 2021. Post-divorce, Anthony seemed to embrace a new chapter in his life. He dedicated significant energy to his role as a commentator and occasionally shared videos on social media of his training sessions with his son, Kiyan. His romantic life, however, remained deliberately low-key until the autumn of 2025, when a new figure quietly entered his life.
Returning to September 2025, Anthony and LaLa were first photographed together at a Bad Bunny concert in Puerto Rico. Shortly after, LaLa posted a candid profile shot of Anthony on her social media, accompanied by no caption. However, eagle-eyed fans were quick to notice, sparking initial whispers. By 2026, their connection was further cemented when they were photographed together during a vacation in Saint-Tropez, with an intimate moment captured in an elevator, leaving little room for doubt about their relationship. It is noteworthy that LaLa’s late husband, Will Smith, was a formidable defensive end for the New Orleans Saints, instrumental in their historic first Super Bowl victory in 2009. His entire professional career was dedicated to the Saints. Tragically, in 2016, a road rage incident stemming from a traffic accident claimed his life at the young age of 34. LaLa was present in the passenger seat during the incident and sustained a gunshot wound to her leg. The perpetrator was not brought to justice until 2024, spending eight long years on the run. During this arduous period, LaLa not only bore the sole responsibility of raising their children but also navigated a protracted legal battle and the enduring pain of her loss.
Such profound adversity inevitably draws parallels to the experiences of Vanessa Bryant, the widow of Kobe Bryant. Following the tragic helicopter crash in 2020, Vanessa endured arguably the darkest period of her life, consumed by grief. Fortunately, she found solace and unwavering support from friends like Pau Gasol and Rob Pelinka, who stood by her side, guiding her through the darkness and helping her to gradually re-embrace life. Today, Vanessa is able to attend public events with her children, maintaining a dignified presence as she continues her journey. Yet, LaLa’s path has been significantly more arduous. The profound pain of losing a spouse, the physical trauma, the protracted legal proceedings, and the solitary burden of raising children – it has taken her a decade to finally gather the courage to share a photograph with another man on social media, accompanied by the poignant caption, “Life is short, why live in sorrow.” This declaration seems directed not only at the outside world but also serves as a personal affirmation.
The candid photographs that have emerged of the couple offer a glimpse into their lives. The 42-year-old Anthony appears to be in excellent physical condition, showing no signs of post-retirement weight gain and maintaining the robust physique of his athletic days. LaLa, despite being in her forties, possesses a physique that rivals that of a supermodel, with toned lines and an undeniable aura that commands attention. Some netizens have humorously commented that her physical attributes alone are enough to captivate at any age. Intriguingly, her build and presence bear a striking resemblance to Anthony’s ex-wife, LaLa, with a similar broad frame, strong shoulders, and a statuesque posture. Whether this reflects a consistent aesthetic preference for Anthony or is merely a coincidence remains a subject of speculation.
As one of the NBA's most accomplished legends, Carmelo Anthony's career earnings surpassed $260 million, with additional income from endorsements and investments, making his vast wealth an undisputed fact. His transition to a commentator post-retirement provides stable employment and a continued stream of income. Perhaps even more gratifying for him is the burgeoning basketball talent of his son, Kiyan, who shows immense promise and a strong likelihood of reaching the NBA. After more than a decade of emotional ups and downs in his personal life, a new companion has now entered his world. For a man who has achieved professional success, enjoys the companionship of a partner, has a promising child, and lives a life of dignity and ease, this might well be the epitome of what is considered an “incomparable winner” in life. How far this new relationship will go remains to be seen, but the relaxed demeanor captured in the leaked photographs suggests a genuine comfort between the two.
