Carmelo Anthony Reflects on Legacy at Hall of Fame Induction — But His Speech Sparks Debate Over His Past with Ex-Wife La La

NBA legend Carmelo Anthony has officially cemented his place among basketball’s immortals. The former New York Knicks forward was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, marking a defining moment in his two-decade career (ESPN).

Anthony, 41, joined an elite 2025 Hall of Fame class that also included Dwight Howard, Sue Bird, Billy Donovan, and several other icons who helped shape modern basketball (The New York Times). The induction ceremony was both emotional and reflective — a moment to celebrate excellence, resilience, and personal growth.

During his heartfelt speech, Anthony paid tribute to the many people who shaped his journey, from family members to mentors, while also reflecting on his evolution as a man and a father. Yet, one notable omission drew attention: the absence of any direct mention of his ex-wife, Alani “La La” Anthony, despite her being a significant part of his life and public image for nearly two decades.

“My kids saved me,” Anthony said, speaking directly to his son, Kiyan, and daughter, Genesis, who were both in attendance. “They gave me a reason to move past ego, past noise, past criticism. They reminded me that legacy isn’t what you leave behind — it’s what you lift up.” (Variety)

He continued by honoring the women who shaped his life:

“To every woman who’s held us together, I owe everything to the strength of women. To the women who raised us, who loved us through our mistakes, who believed in us before the world saw our potential — I stand here because of you.”

While his words resonated with many fans, social media users and entertainment outlets noted that he did not mention La La, the woman who was by his side through much of his NBA career (People).

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A Complicated Love Story Revisited

Carmelo and La La’s relationship has long fascinated the public. The pair got engaged in 2004 and married in a lavish 2010 ceremony televised on VH1’s La La’s Full Court Wedding. Their union symbolized Black celebrity power and partnership — until years of rumors and scandals began to erode the image.

La La filed for divorce in 2021, citing irreconcilable differences (TMZ Sports). Their marriage reportedly unraveled amid allegations of Carmelo’s infidelity, which intensified after reports surfaced in 2017 that he had fathered a daughter, Genesis, with model Mia Angel Burks, while still married to La La (Page Six).

Despite the turmoil, La La has maintained grace in public. During an appearance at Fanatics Fest 2024, she explained why she still uses Anthony’s last name.

“The moment of being able to buy Kiyan’s NBA jersey will be crazy,” interviewer Taylor Rooks remarked about her son’s basketball prospects.

La La smiled and replied, “That’s why I haven’t changed my last name yet. I’m gonna keep it around for a little while!” (People)

Her reasoning — keeping her son’s sense of identity intact as he embarks on his own basketball career — resonated with many fans. Kiyan, now 18, has committed to play for Syracuse University, following in his father’s footsteps for the 2025–2026 NCAA season (ESPN).

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The Legacy and the Fallout

Anthony’s speech was filled with gratitude. He acknowledged his late father, Carmelo Iriarte, his sister Michelle Anthony, and his mother Mary Anthony, who he credited for instilling resilience and discipline. He also thanked his college alma mater, Syracuse University, where he led the team to an NCAA Championship in 2003, and the NBA franchises that defined his career — the Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks.

The 10-time NBA All-Star didn’t shy away from broader reflection, calling single mothers, grandmothers, and sisters the “real MVPs” for raising families often without the presence of fathers. His remarks drew applause in the audience and praise online for acknowledging women’s unseen labor and emotional strength (The Athletic).

However, the omission of La La in his remarks reignited public scrutiny of their relationship. Social media users flooded comment sections debating whether Anthony’s silence was a personal choice or a public oversight.

One user wrote, “He spoke beautifully about his mother and women’s strength — yet treated La La like an afterthought.” Another countered, “Maybe he’s choosing peace and focusing on his kids. That’s growth, not shade.”

La La, meanwhile, has remained focused on her acting career — appearing in hit shows like BMF and The Chi — while also supporting her son’s basketball ambitions. Despite critics questioning her decision to keep the Anthony name, she told Access Hollywood last year, “I’ll always have love for Melo. We share a beautiful son, and that’s forever.”

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Moving Forward

As Carmelo Anthony joins basketball’s greatest names in the Hall of Fame, his induction represents both triumph and transformation. His story — one marked by brilliance, controversy, and redemption — mirrors that of many athletes who have had to balance fame with personal responsibility.

Beyond his statistics — 28,289 career points, 10 All-Star selections, and an Olympic gold medal — Anthony’s lasting impact lies in his commitment to youth empowerment and social advocacy. Through his Carmelo Anthony Foundation, he continues to support education and community development initiatives across the United States (The New York Times).

Whether fans focus on what he said — or what he didn’t — during his Hall of Fame speech, one truth remains: Carmelo Anthony’s legacy extends beyond basketball. It’s about perseverance, family, and the complicated path toward peace.

As he told reporters backstage after the ceremony:

“The Hall of Fame is about what I did on the court. But my real legacy — that’s still being written every day with my kids.” (ESPN)