In the heart of Washington D.C.’s CareFirst Arena, as the crowd erupted over Kiyan Anthony’s MVP performance, La La Anthony’s eyes weren’t just on the scoreboard. Amidst the celebration, her gaze lingered on a particular item—a Jumpman letterman’s jacket handed to her son by his father, Carmelo Anthony. For the family, it symbolized a legacy, a family journey marked by triumphs, trials, and transitions.

Currently, the spotlight shines on Melo and Kiyan, and deservedly so. But you know whose name’s been lowkey missing in all this? La La Anthony. Yeah, she’s been kind of out of the frame lately, especially after that not-so-happy ending with Carmelo. Still, just because she’s been quiet doesn’t mean she’s not proud. La La is soaking in her son’s success and letting the world know, this moment matters to her.

Kiyan Anthony lit up the court with 26 points at the 2025 Jordan Brand Classic on Friday night in Washington, D.C. The Syracuse University recruit was on fire. He hit 11 of his 15 shots and knocked down three from beyond the arc. Team Air walked away with the win, beating Team Flight 141-124 at CareFirst Arena, and Kiyan was the clear difference-maker.

His outstanding performance earned him the MVP trophy, accompanied by a special gift. A Jumpman letterman’s jacket, handed to him by his dad, Syracuse legend Carmelo Anthony. Meanwhile, La La Anthony was in the crowd, cheering like any proud mom would. But of course, she wasn’t done there. She went full-on proud mama mode on Instagram, sharing a behind-the-scenes video of Kiyan rocking the jacket post-game.

In the clip, he’s seen talking to a reporter, totally owning his moment, with that MVP glow still fresh on his face. La La dropped the video in her feed, but it was the caption that stole the show. She wrote, “I need this jacket!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥” Honestly, same. Because when your son just earned it from both Jordan Brand and his Hall of Fame dad, that jacket hits different.

Carmelo and La La called it quits back in 2021 when she officially filed for divorce. Kiyan was just 14 at the time. But even with the split, they never let their son feel the fallout. Co-parenting became the play, and they stuck to it. La La’s no damsel in distress. She’s built her empire, sitting on a cool $30 million. Still, divorce hits hard. Even when you’re independent, marriage means shared stuff, homes, bills, and lifestyle. Going solo flips the whole script and brings legal headaches and fresh financial pressure.

Breaking up with Carmelo didn’t just tug on emotions. That lifestyle shift was no easy feat. But none of that matters when it comes to Kiyan. La La’s made that very clear, loud and proud. Just scroll through her Instagram. Her latest posts are dripping with pride and love.

Carmelo Anthony is passing the torch to his junior

Carmelo Anthony is officially passing the torch, and his son Kiyan is more than ready to carry it forward. Before committing to Syracuse, Kiyan said it himself: “My dad’s name on the facility is special, but I want to go in there and create my own name.” That same facility where Carmelo made history? Now, it’s Kiyan’s turn to shine. And so far? The kid’s living up to the name.

At the 2025 Jordan Brand Classic in Washington, D.C., Kiyan scored 26 points and led Team Air to a big-time win over Team Flight. He hit 11 of 15 shots, including three from deep. It was a statement that he owned the floor. What makes it even more poetic? The very first Jordan Brand Classic, back in 2002, was also held in Washington. And guess who lit it up that night? Yep, Carmelo Anthony. He dropped 27 points and took home MVP honors. Now, 23 years later, his son nearly matched that performance, in the same city, on the same stage.

If that’s not a passing of the mantle, what is? It’s like D.C. was always meant to be part of the Anthony legacy. But Kiyan’s journey hasn’t exactly been smooth. He was snubbed from the 2025 McDonald’s All-American Game, a move that raised plenty of eyebrows. So this performance hit different. This win wasn’t just a win, it was redemption. It was his way of saying, “Don’t sleep on me.”

This MVP award was the validation. The world watched as Kiyan stepped out of his father’s shadow and into his own spotlight. Even Carmelo had to smile at the full-circle moment. And yeah, he probably still teased Kiyan for falling one point short of his 27.

But make no mistake, this wasn’t a comparison. It was a connection. A father built the foundation, and now the son is building the future. And while Kiyan is walking a path that echoes his father’s, he’s also carving out something entirely his own with poise, confidence, and grit. Watching this all unfold, you couldn’t help but feel it: the story had come full circle. The name “Anthony” isn’t going anywhere. If this is just the beginning for Kiyan, then yeah, the future of the Anthony legacy looks very secure.