At an age where most people are figuring out college majors or debating what Netflix show to binge next, Dereck Lively II is out here living the dream. With his towering 7’1 height and undeniable talent, the baller is in the spotlight. But truly, people aren’t just curious about his stats. There’s always that burning question: What’s happening in his personal life?

And naturally, the speculation begins. Does the Dallas Mavericks’ budding star have a lady luck cheering for him in the stands? Or is he too busy breaking records to make time for romance? After all, they say the teenage years and early twenties are the golden years for young love. 

Is Dereck Lively II dating anyone?

They say there’s always a woman behind every successful man. In Dereck Lively II’s case, that woman wasn’t a romantic partner (yet). Seems like, for now, basketball is his one and only love- or at least that’s what we know so far. No rumors, no headlines, no Instagram stories hinting at a special someone. 

However, just because there’s no talk of a girlfriend doesn’t mean the Dallas center doesn’t have his leading lady. It was (is) his late mother, Kathy Drysdale, who made him the man he is today. Kathy wasn’t just his biggest supporter; she was his inspiration. 

Sadly, the 20-year-old’s life has been marked by loss. His father, Dereck Lively Sr., battled dr-g addiction for years before passing away in 2012 when Dereck was just 8 years old. His mom stepped into the role of both parents and became the pillar he needed.

After being born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dereck grew up surrounded by basketball. His mom, Kathy, was a legend in her own right. A Penn State basketball star, she still holds records for consecutive field goals made and ranks among the school’s top players in rebounds and blocks. Kathy’s post-college career included working for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Later, she also landed at her alma mater, managing marketing for Penn State’s women’s basketball team. Meanwhile, his father, a chef, may not have shared his basketball legacy, but he left a lasting impression on his son despite his struggles. Losing his dad to a heroin overdose at such a young age was a defining moment in Dereck’s life. Yet, his mom made sure that her son stayed on the path to success.

He entered the NBA Draft, forging college eligibility. Thankfully, the Oklahoma City Thunder selected him as 12th overall and then traded him to the Dallas Mavericks. But what could have been his best years turned into a nightmare. 

Dereck Lively II honors his late mother: “Her legacy will live on in him” 

As Dereck Lively II stepped into the spotlight, his mother’s health was declining. Kathy had been fighting cancer for over a decade, and the treatments had taken a toll. Back in 2013, the PSU alumna was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. In a way, the illness shaped much of Dereck’s adolescence as he watched his mom fight an uphill battle while continuing to support his dreams. 

But the tragedy hit in 2024 as she passed away on April 12, 2024, just as her son was finding his footing in the NBA. The NBA star’s words about his mom show just how much she meant to him. “She passed the torch onto me, and I have to make sure I continue to carry it now,” he said. 

Even as he mourned, he used her strength as fuel for his own journey. “She said, ‘I’m fine,’ even on her deathbed. That grit, that attitude—it’s what keeps me going.” In his rookie year, he averaged 8.8 points and 6.9 rebounds, playing 23.5 minutes in 55 games, hitting his first 3 points in the Game of Finals. That, too, he dedicated to his late mother. 

Expressing his heartbreak, he said, “It’s hard just trying to — not move on but — not act like nothing happened. You’ve got to be able to keep it moving. That’s what my mom would want me to do. That’s what she was doing the whole time.”

But Dereck found immense support in his new basketball family. The Mavericks have embraced him, not just as a player but as a person. Teammate Dwight Powell said, “He’s far more mature than his age.” He didn’t forget to mention that his mom has done a great job raising him. 

“Many can’t handle it with the poise and the strength that he does, and he has,” Mavericks center added. “That’s not to say there isn’t a lot of pain that’s being dealt with on a moment-to-moment basis. There’s going to be a lot of pain for the rest of his life. Her legacy will live on in him.”

Also, coaches couldn’t help but admire Dereck’s dedication and willingness to learn. Assistant coach Sean Sweeney formed a close bond with him, working together daily to hone Dereck’s skills. “It’s rare for a rookie to know exactly who they are on the court, but Dereck does,” Sweeney remarked.

His teammates have also been there in the small moments, like helping him navigate life. It’s good to see how his team has stepped up to try to fill a family void in his life. As for his ladylove, maybe the young star is keeping it under wraps, or maybe he’s just waiting for the right person. As he rocks season 2 of his NBA career, let’s see what’s next for him.