After nine years of separation, Carmelo and La La Anthony have reportedly reached a divorce settlement, bringing their 16-year marriage closer to its legal conclusion. But their love story began long before the headlines, court filings and breakup rumors.
According to Vogue, the pair first met in 2003 through mutual friend DJ Clue, when Carmelo was establishing himself as an NBA star and La La was building her career in radio and television. Carmelo proposed on Christmas Day 2004, and the pair married in July 2010, in a lavish New York City ceremony documented for VH1’s “La La’s Full Court Wedding.”
They were once one of entertainment and basketball’s favorite couples, but after cheating rumors, viral memes, and years of navigating life as co-parents, it seems their fairytale romance has finally come to an end. If you’ve lost track of everything that’s happened over the last nine years, don’t worry. The Root is breaking down Carmelo and La La Anthony’s relationship, from their first separation in 2017 to their newly finalized divorce settlement.
RELATED: La La Anthony Breaks Silence on Painful Divorce from NBA All-Star Carmelo
The First Separation
After seven years of marriage, the couple separated in April 2017 amid reports of marital difficulties and rumors of infidelity, Page Six reported. But Carmelo and La La didn’t immediately file for divorce.
Months after they separated, Carmelo welcomed daughter Genesis with Mia Angel Burks, adding another dimension to the family’s changing circumstances. By 2018, however, reports emerged that Carmelo and La La were giving their marriage another chance, with both expressing interest in rebuilding their family.
The Infamous Phone Meme
Their reconciliation was short-lived, as reports of renewed relationship troubles and separate living arrangements began surfacing. Still, the two continued to show up for their son, including one memorable Knicks game when La La held up her phone so Kiyan could watch his father play. The moment became an internet meme, offering a funny but telling glimpse of their co-parenting dynamic. Then, the pandemic happened.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, La La, Carmelo, and Kiyan spent time together, which sparked rumors of reconciliation. But on June 17, 2021, La La officially filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. The filing came four years after their initial separation and marked the biggest step toward ending their marriage yet.
Carmelo Retires
During an appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, La La revealed some of the factors that contributed to their divorce, including Carmelo’s Knicks trade and the accompanying media scrutiny.
Following Carmelo’s NBA retirement in 2023, La La continued to emphasize their commitment to raising Kiyan together and maintaining a positive family relationship. Although the couple lived separate lives by this point, La La made a conscious decision to keep the “Anthony” name for her son’s sake.
New Relationship Rumors
Over the years, both Carmelo and La La have been romantically linked to other people. Most recently, Carmelo was spotted with Racquel Smith, the widow of former NFL player Will Smith, in Saint-Tropez.
The End of an Era
In November 2026, TMZ reported that Carmelo and La La finally reached a divorce settlement. The financial terms remain confidential, and PEOPLE reported that the formal judgment was awaiting a judge’s signature.
From their 2003 introduction to their 2026 settlement, Carmelo and La La’s relationship spanned more than two decades. Their romantic chapter may be ending legally, but the family they built together remains part of their shared story.
Straight From 
Sign up for our free daily newsletter.
