
via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 10: Kiyan Carmelo Anthony and LaLa Anthony during the Who Decides War Spring/Summer 2024 Fashion Show on September 10, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Udo Salters/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 10: Kiyan Carmelo Anthony and LaLa Anthony during the Who Decides War Spring/Summer 2024 Fashion Show on September 10, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Udo Salters/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
La La Anthony has always shared a special bond with her son, Kiyan Anthony. Since La La and Carmelo Anthony’s divorce, she’s been vocal about how close she and Kiyan are, often dubbing him her best friend. Most recently, the mother-son duo appeared for a playful visit on Twitch streamer Tylil James’ show, The Tylilshow Live, and let’s just say—it was a very entertaining segment.
Now, if you are up on Kiyan and Tylil’s friendship, you should probably know that whole jersey thing. Last year, Kiyan gifted Tylil a signed LeBron James jersey — which tells you how close the two are. But here’s where it got tricky: the jersey was very sentimental to Carmelo Anthony, so it had to be returned.
Sure, this created a little drama (with a ton of chuckles on the internet), but it truly highlighted the bond between Kiyan and his father Carmelo — and his friend Tylil. So when La La and Kiyan recently stopped by Tylil’s show, La La admitted they were there “to make up for the jersey situation.” It didn’t take long for things to get playful. At one point during the livestream, Tylil turned to La La and asked if she was leaving.
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Her response? “Not yet. My son wants me to go,” she joked. As it turns out, Tylil wasn’t going for it. Turning to Kiyan, he said jokingly, “Kiyan, Kiyan, stop doing that.” The banter was playful, but it was also indicative of how familiar with one another they all are.
Then came the moment that had everybody talking — Tylil’s message for Carmelo Anthony himself. Staring straight into the camera with his trademark energy, Tylil said, “Listen, Carmelo Anthony, this is my family. You’re my family now. Let me get that. Let me get my jersey.” It was funny but also sincere — a blend of playing homage to Carmelo and poking fun at that league-wide-selling jersey saga.
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Kiyan Anthony and Tylili James jersey saga
About that saga: Let’s go back for a second. When Kiyan first gave Tylil the signed LeBron jersey, that was a big deal for Tylil — he was on cloud nine about it. But when Carmelo requested it back, citing sentimental value, things turned awkward quickly.

via Imago
Carmelo Anthony and his son, Kiyan, watch the Don Bosco Prep Ironmen compete against the McEachern Indians in a game during the 50th annual City of Palms Classic at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Kiyan Anthony and the Long Island Luthern Crusaders defeated Westminster Academy earlier in the day.
Footage of Tylil’s reaction to losing out on the coveted jersey also went viral as he took to social media to voice his frustrations. Lucky for him, Carmelo said he would replace it with another signed piece for Tylil in the future, which helped to smooth things over.
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What’s your perspective on:
Does the jersey saga reveal more about Kiyan's bond with his dad or his friend Tylil?
Have an interesting take?
Fast forward to now and it seems everyone has gotten over the drama with good spirits! Visiting The Tylilshow Live wasn’t only about compensating for the jersey: it was also a celebration of friendship and relationships shared among all those who were part of the experience. For La La and Kiyan, it was another reminder of how they handle everything together (even when Kiyan just wants his mom to leave!). And for Tylil? It was an opportunity to have some careful fun while cementing his role within their extended “family.”
Ultimately, though, this wasn’t so much a story about a jersey — it was about relationships: between family members like La La and Kiyan, between friends like Kiyan and Tylil, and even between fans like Tylil and legends like Carmelo Anthony. And honestly? And that’s what makes moments like this so memorable.
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Debate
Does the jersey saga reveal more about Kiyan's bond with his dad or his friend Tylil?