NBA Star Faces Legal Turmoil Over Child Custody and Support Disputes

Los Angeles, CA – NBA player Anthony is entangled in legal disputes concerning custody and child support for two daughters, with court documents revealing ongoing litigation against his ex-partners Daja Carlyle and Ayesha Howard.

In a case filed on February 20, 2024, Anthony, 23, petitioned for legitimation, custody, parenting time, and child support in relation to his daughter, Aris Ariel Carlyle, born in September 2023. Court records indicate that Anthony, who states he is not recognized as Aris’ father on her birth certificate, is seeking joint legal and physical custody.

In response to Anthony’s petition, Daja acknowledged that he is the biological father but opposed his request for joint custody. She requested primary custody with reasonable visitation for Anthony. Daja formally filed her counterclaim on March 28, 2024.

Adding to the complexity, Anthony’s attorney accused Daja of harassment, alleging she sent unsolicited communications to individuals associated with Anthony, trying to exert control over their interactions. “There is no rhyme or reason for [Daja] to contact individuals who work for [Anthony],” stated Anthony’s lawyer, emphasizing the distress this behavior has caused.

“Due to the conduct that is taking place, there is an urgent need for the court to intervene,” the attorney argued, as Anthony sought a court order to prevent Daja from contacting his associates.

Meanwhile, amid these custody issues, it was revealed that Anthony is currently paying $5,000 monthly in temporary child support to Daja. His lawyer contended that this amount exceeds what is necessary for the child’s needs, proposing a revised figure of $3,222 based on Georgia state guidelines.

“What is also clear is that the mother is trying to use child support as a means to avoid employment,” Anthony’s legal representation argued, noting Daja’s claimed income of just $8,000 per year.

In a separate legal battle, Anthony is also addressing paternity and support issues related to another daughter, Aubri Summers Howard, born in October 2024. A hearing conducted on February 24, 2025, in Los Angeles determined that California lacks jurisdiction for child support, shifting the case to Georgia where Anthony had previously filed a separate paternity lawsuit.

During this hearing, Anthony made it known that he does not seek custody or visitation of Aubri. He reported the results of a DNA test confirming his paternity and emphasized that the issues at hand are purely financial.

“I am not seeking child custody or visitation of Aubri,” Anthony stated in his declaration to the court. “Therefore, the only issues to be resolved are financial in nature.”

As the cases progress, both women have entered into agreements with Anthony, though specific terms remain undisclosed. Other alleged communications from Anthony regarding the pregnancy faced scrutiny, including messages suggesting that Ayesha should consider terminating her pregnancy.

With the complexities escalating, further court appointments are scheduled, and both cases remain ongoing.