If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you’ve probably seen the headlines. People are asking the same question they’ve been asking for years: Are carmelo and lala back together? It’s one of those celebrity mysteries that just won’t quit. Honestly, it makes sense why we’re all so invested. They were the "it" couple of New York for a decade.
But here’s the thing. Celebrity breakups are rarely a straight line. They’re messy. They’re complicated. And when there’s a kid involved—especially a star athlete like their son, Kiyan—the lines between "separated" and "back together" get really blurry.
The Reality of the Carmelo and La La Anthony Situation
Let’s look at the facts. They aren’t dating. They aren’t "reconciled" in the romantic sense.
Despite what you might see in a grainy paparazzi photo of them sitting courtside, the divorce is final. La La filed in 2021. It was the end of a long, public roller coaster that started way back in 2003. They’ve both been pretty open about how hard it was. La La even told Angie Martinez on her IRL podcast that the divorce was "the hardest part" of her life. She talked about having to put on a "fake smile" while "dying inside."
That doesn't sound like someone looking to jump back into the same fire.
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Why the rumors never stop
So, why do people keep thinking carmelo and lala are back together?
Basically, it’s because they’re actually good at co-parenting. We aren't used to seeing that in Hollywood. Usually, it’s all sub-tweets and custody battles. Instead, we see Melo and La La together at Syracuse games supporting Kiyan. They’re smiling. They’re standing side-by-side.
In November 2025, they were spotted in Las Vegas together. No, it wasn't a romantic getaway. They were watching Kiyan play for Syracuse against Houston. To the casual observer, they look like a family. To them, they are a family—just not a married one.
The "New York" Effect and What Went Wrong
If you want to understand why they aren't together, you have to look at the move to New York. La La has been vocal about this. On the Call Her Daddy podcast, she mentioned that Melo’s trade to the Knicks in 2011 was the "start of the demise."
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New York is a different beast.
- The Spotlight: In Denver, they could breathe. In NYC, every move was a headline.
- The Scrutiny: Every time Melo missed a shot or La La went to an event alone, the rumors started.
- The Infidelity Rumors: We can't ignore the headlines about cheating. It's public knowledge at this point. Those allegations piled up over years until the foundation just cracked.
Where they stand in 2026
Right now, both have moved on. Melo has retreated into a more private life since retiring from the NBA. He’s focused on Kiyan’s burgeoning basketball career and his own business ventures.
La La is busier than ever. She’s acting in BMF, running her beauty empire, and navigating the dating world—which she describes as "interesting" and "hard." She’s even said she doesn’t think she’ll ever get married again. That’s a pretty definitive stance.
Misconceptions About Their "Reunion"
There’s a big difference between being "together" and being "unified."
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- Social Media "Clues": People see Melo like a photo of La La on Instagram and lose their minds. In reality? He’s probably just supporting the mother of his child.
- Family Events: They spend holidays and birthdays together. This isn't a sign of a secret romance; it’s a sign of maturity. They decided early on that Kiyan wouldn't suffer because they couldn't make the marriage work.
- The Soft Launch Rumor: Recently, La La teased a man’s hand in a TikTok. Everyone immediately shouted "Melo!" But La La has been linked to others, including her BMF co-star Da’Vinchi (though she’s denied that too).
The Verdict on the Relationship
If you're looking for a "happily ever after" reunion, you probably won't find it here. The idea of carmelo and lala back together is mostly a fantasy kept alive by fans who miss the "Full Court Life" era.
What they have now is actually more impressive. They’ve managed to turn a toxic, high-profile split into a functional, supportive friendship. That’s rare. They are "back together" as a team for their son, but the romantic chapter is closed, locked, and the key is pretty much at the bottom of the ocean.
What you can learn from their journey
If you’re following this story for more than just gossip, there are some real takeaways here. First, privacy is luxury. La La has said she plans to keep her future relationships completely under wraps until they are "real" because public opinion ruins things. Second, a "failed" marriage doesn't mean a failed family.
Moving forward, expect to see them together often. Expect the headlines to keep guessing. But don't expect a wedding invite. They are living their own lives, and honestly, they both seem a lot happier for it.
To keep up with the latest factual updates on their individual careers, you can follow La La’s production news through major entertainment outlets or keep an eye on Syracuse basketball's schedule to see their next "reunion" in the stands.