Basketball fans see him everywhere. He’s the kid with the curly hair and the tiny Celtics jersey, often stealing the spotlight from his father during post-game press conferences. We’re talking about Deuce Tatum, obviously. But while Jayson Tatum’s son has basically become the unofficial mascot of the Boston Celtics, the woman behind the scenes is someone the public rarely hears from.
The internet usually just refers to her as the jason tatum baby mama, but her name is Toriah Lachell.
Honestly, it’s kinda wild how much people speculate about her without knowing the actual story. Toriah isn't some random Instagram model or a reality TV star looking for a "come up." She’s a business owner, a high school sweetheart, and someone who has navigated the insanely bright spotlight of the NBA with a level of privacy that’s pretty rare these days.
The High School Sweethearts from St. Louis
The story doesn't start in a VIP lounge or through a DM. It starts at Chaminade College Preparatory School in Missouri.
Jayson and Toriah were just kids. Well, teenagers. They dated throughout high school, and by the time Jayson was heading to Duke and eventually being the #3 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Toriah was there. But the timing was intense. Imagine being 19 years old, your career is literally exploding, you're moving to Boston to play for one of the most storied franchises in sports history, and then you find out you’re going to be a dad.
Tatum has been open about how "terrified" he was. He was a rookie. He was trying to prove he belonged in the league while Toriah was back home dealing with a pregnancy.
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Jayson Jr., famously known as Deuce, arrived on December 6, 2017.
Why They Aren't Together (And How They Make It Work)
Here is the part where the gossip gets messy. Around the time Deuce was born, there were rumors about Jayson dating other people, including Duke volleyball player Samie Amos. Whether it was a messy breakup or just two young people growing apart under immense pressure, they didn't stay together as a couple.
But they did something most celebrities fail at: they figured out the co-parenting thing immediately.
Jayson’s mother, Brandy Cole-Barnes, played a massive role here. She reportedly helped arrange for Toriah to move to Boston so Deuce could be near his father. They didn't live together, but they lived close. Brandy even helped make sure Jayson was doing the "real" dad work—changing diapers and waking up for 2:00 AM feedings—despite his grueling NBA schedule.
Toriah Lachell’s Own Success: The Curl Bar Boston
If you look for Toriah on social media, you won't find her posting "thirst traps" or trying to sell weight-loss tea. She’s a professional.
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She turned her passion for hair into a legitimate business. She founded The Curl Bar Boston, a salon that specializes in naturally curly hair. It’s actually quite successful. Even celebrities like Trevor Noah have been spotted getting their hair done by her.
It’s cool to see, honestly. She could have easily lived off child support and stayed in the background, but she built her own brand. She’s a certified hair specialist who focuses on empowering people to embrace their natural texture.
The Current Dynamic: Ella Mai and New Rumors
By now, most people know Jayson has moved on. For years, he’s been linked to Grammy-winning singer Ella Mai. They are incredibly private—like, "don't even post each other on birthdays" private.
However, reports from 2024 and 2025 confirmed that Jayson and Ella Mai welcomed a child together, a son reportedly named Dylan.
Does this make things awkward with Toriah? It doesn't seem like it. Toriah has been spotted at games, and Deuce is frequently seen with both his dad and his mom. There’s a level of maturity there that you don’t usually see in the tabloids. They’ve managed to keep the focus on Deuce, who is now playing organized basketball himself.
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Common Misconceptions About Toriah Lachell
- "She's just a social media influencer." False. She has a private personal Instagram and mostly uses her business accounts to showcase hair transformations.
- "They had a 'secret' wedding." No. Jayson and Toriah were never married.
- "She lives in St. Louis." While she’s from there, she relocated to Boston years ago to facilitate the co-parenting dynamic that has allowed Deuce to grow up with both parents.
What This Means for the "Tatum Brand"
Jayson Tatum is currently one of the faces of the NBA. He’s a champion, an Olympian, and a Jordan Brand athlete. But a huge part of his "marketability" is his image as a devoted father.
That image wouldn't be possible without Toriah Lachell being a stable, cooperative partner in the background. While the "jason tatum baby mama" tag might be what people type into Google, the reality is a story of two people who grew up fast, stayed out of the drama, and built separate, successful lives while raising a kid who the entire city of Boston treats like royalty.
If you’re looking to follow her journey or get your hair done, check out The Curl Bar Boston. Supporting a woman-owned business that was built from the ground up is a much better use of time than digging through old relationship rumors. Keep an eye on Deuce, too—the kid is already showing flashes of his dad's game on the court.
Practical Next Steps:
- Support Local: If you're in the Boston area and have curly hair, look into booking an appointment at The Curl Bar to see Toriah's work firsthand.
- Follow the Business: Check out @thecurlbarboston on Instagram for natural hair care tips and styling inspiration.
- Stay Updated: For the latest on Jayson’s career and his family life, stick to reputable sports news outlets like ESPN or The Athletic, as they tend to focus on his actual life rather than tabloid speculation.