You’ve seen the highlights. Alijah Arenas is basically a human bucket, a five-star phenom who’s spent the last few years torching high school gyms across California before committing to USC. Most fans know his dad, Gilbert "Agent Zero" Arenas, the former NBA All-Star with the lightning-quick release and the unfiltered podcast. But when the cameras pan to the sidelines during a high-stakes game, people start asking: who is Alijah Arenas mom?
Honestly, she’s not just a face in the crowd. She's Laura Govan.
If that name sounds familiar, it's probably because she was a staple on VH1’s Basketball Wives LA back in the day. But for Alijah, she’s the person who’s been there through a year that was, quite frankly, a nightmare for any parent. Between a terrifying car wreck and a season-ending knee injury, 2025 was a lot.
The Hoop Genes Run Deep
Most people assume Alijah got all his talent from Gilbert. That’s just wrong. Laura Govan wasn't just "dating" a basketball player; she was one.
She played at New Mexico State from 1999 to 2001. We’re talking about a 6'2" athlete who actually knows the grind of Division I ball. When she’s talking to Alijah about his footwork or his mentality, she isn't just reciting things she heard on a broadcast. She's lived it.
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The Arenas-Govan household is basically a factory for athletes. Laura and Gilbert share four kids:
- Izela Arenas: The oldest, who’s currently playing at Kansas State after being an ESPN Top 100 recruit.
- Alijah Arenas: The USC freshman and five-star shooting guard.
- Hamiley and Aloni: The younger siblings who are undoubtedly next in line.
Laura’s life has been a whirlwind of reality TV drama and high-profile legal battles with Gilbert, but lately, the narrative has shifted. The two have seemingly put the "exes at war" phase behind them to co-parent their kids, especially when Alijah’s life was literally on the line.
That Scary 2025 Accident
It’s 4:55 in the morning in April 2025. Alijah is driving home from a late-night (or early morning) workout. He’s in a Tesla Cybertruck. Suddenly, things go south. The truck hits a fire hydrant and a tree in the San Fernando Valley. It catches fire.
Alijah ended up in a medically induced coma.
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That’s the kind of phone call that stops a mother’s heart. Laura was the one posting on Instagram, asking for "every single prayer" while her son fought through those first few days. Gilbert later gave her a massive shoutout, noting that while they haven't always seen eye-to-eye, her protective "mama bear" instincts are unmatched. She didn't leave that hospital.
He pulled through, miraculously without any broken bones, only to tear his meniscus just months later in July. If you think Alijah is tough for making a comeback to the USC practice floor in December 2025, you have to look at the woman who was driving him to every surgery and rehab session. She’s the engine.
Beyond the Reality TV Label
Look, it's easy to pigeonhole Laura Govan as a "reality star." She was famous for the drama, the fashion, and the public spats. But if you watch how she talks about her kids now, it’s different. She’s the one who shared the news of Alijah’s reclassification to the 2025 class, saying they "prayed and waited" for the right answer.
She’s also the one telling stories about Alijah’s character—like the time he made her stop the car so he could give his shoes to a homeless person.
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What You Should Know Now
Alijah Arenas is currently working his way back into the USC rotation under Eric Musselman. He’s wearing No. 0, just like his dad. But his resilience? That "never-quit" attitude during a year of hospital beds and crutches? A huge chunk of that comes from Laura.
If you’re following Alijah’s journey to the NBA, keep an eye on the woman in the stands. She’s not just there for the photo op; she’s the one who made sure he stayed grounded when he was the #1 recruit and stayed strong when he couldn't even walk.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Watch the USC Games: Pay attention to how Alijah handles contact. After a meniscus tear and a major accident, his lateral movement is the big "test" for NBA scouts.
- Follow the Recovery Narrative: Laura Govan often posts behind-the-scenes updates on her Instagram that give more context than the official team reports.
- Ignore the Old Drama: The 2014-era headlines about Laura and Gilbert are ancient history; the focus now is entirely on the "Alijah Arenas story," as Laura herself puts it.