Gilbert Arenas and Laura Govan used to be one of the most talked-about power couples in LA. Gilbert, a three-time NBA champion, needs no introduction. In his 11 seasons in the league, he became the face of teams like the Golden State Warriors, Washington Wizards, Orlando Magic, and Memphis Grizzlies. Gilbert set a new standard for the game with his swagger, skill, and unmatched intensity.
On the flip side, Laura Govan, Gilbert’s ex-girlfriend, is no stranger to success. She’s a TV actress and entrepreneur known for her roles in Almost Amazing (2017), JC Tha Barber (2017), and, of course, Basketball Wives LA (2011). Back in 2001, Laura made her mark and today, she’s known as the mother of Gilbert Arenas’ four children.
In this article, we’ll discuss the chemistry between Laura and the NBA legend. Let’s see what made their dynamic so unforgettable.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Laura’s Chemistry with Gilbert
In 2001, when Gilbert Arenas was making his mark with the Golden State Warriors, he and Laura crossed paths and quickly hit it off. By 2002, their relationship was official and from that point on, they became one of LA’s most talked-about couples.
They got engaged in September 2008 and remained a power duo, raising four children together. But by 2014, after years of being in the spotlight, they decided to go their separate ways. They ended a chapter that had kept everyone guessing.
Laura and Gilbert had four children during their relationship. The children are Izela Arenas, Alijah Arenas, Hamiley Arenas, and Aloni Arenas. Laura became pregnant for the first time when she was 26. Their first child, Izela Semaya Arenas, was born on December 24, 2005. Just a year later, on March 16, 2007, Laura gave birth to their son Alijah Amani Arenas.
Three years after Laura and Gilbert had their son, they had another child named Hamiley Penny Arenas on December 9, 2009. And the very next year, they had another son named Aloni Kianno Arenas on June 1, 2011. Even almost 10 years after the breakup, these children have a very healthy relationship with both their parents.
Back in 2001, when Gilbert was just 19 and Laura was 21, sparks flew the moment they met. Laura was working in public relations for the Sacramento Kings when she crossed paths with Gilbert. According to sources, they were instantly drawn to each other. But fate has a funny way of changing plans, doesn’t it?
After over a decade together, this once-powerful couple decided to go their separate ways, making a promise to never cross paths again. But even if their romantic chapter ended, their children remain the bridge that connects these two opposite poles. Now, let’s take a quick detour and take a look at the lives of their four incredible kids.
Izela Arenas, 19 years old
Izela Arenas was born on December 24, 2005, and she is currently playing with the Louisville Cardinals. Her basketball journey kicked off in high school, where she didn’t just play, she led. As team captain in her junior year, Izela guided her squad to a CIF Open Division championship, an ESPN national championship, a CIF State Open Division title, and four league championships.
Izela didn’t stop at dominating high school basketball. She proved her skills on a national stage by winning Overtime Elite’s Queen of the Court competition in Atlanta. In 2023, she committed to the University of Louisville to further her basketball career, officially joining the team the following year.
During media day, Izela reflected on her transition, describing the experience as a mix of nerves and excitement while adjusting and preparing for her collegiate debut. “In terms of basketball, the pace of the game … for the last three months it’s been a great experience, just, you know, getting into that environment. … I think I’m going to be nervous [during the first game], but once tipoff starts, I’m going to be in the zone,” she said.
It looks like she chose to walk in her father, Gilbert’s footsteps.
Alijah Arenas, 17 years old
Alijah has established himself as one of the elite scorers in high school basketball. During six games on the Adidas 3SSB circuit in July, he averaged an impressive 22 points and 4.2 rebounds, shooting over 46% from 3-point range. His exceptional performance? A dominant 29-point, six-rebound game against Nate Ament’s Team Loaded VA, featuring one of the nation’s top recruits.
As of December 2024, Alijah is a five-star recruit, ranked as the No. 4 player overall and the No. 1 shooting guard in the class of 2026. Alijah looks like a serious contender to challenge his father’s legacy. And with good reason, too! During an appearance in Paul George’s Podcast With P, Arenas discussed his approach to coaching his son.
“Ain’t no days off … We get 3 [hundred or] 400 shots up before school,” the former NBA Most Improved Player said. “He’s coachable … depending on what day it is in the mornings we’ll get up at like 5:30, so he [practices] an hour and a half. [He goes to school, comes home, and then] works out and we got lifting right after and then we got more shooting, more dribbling.”
Clearly, Gilbert Arenas is not taking it easy on Alijah just because he is his son!
However, it’s not simply all work and no fun between father and son. In a joint interview for The Arenas Legacy: Alijah Arenas’ Rise to the Top with Gilbert Arenas’ Mindset, the youngster shared that his favorite thing about his dad is how much he listens. He added that they spend a lot of quality time together, doing everything from playing video games to other fun activities.
“I feel like I can always have a conversation [with my dad] whether it’s swimming, basketball, anything. It’s just like the daily thing of like, ‘Hey, what do you want to do today?’ and then I know he’ll do it,” Alijah shared.
Hamiley Arenas, 15 years old
Hamiley Arenas stepped onto the basketball court as a freshman in 2024, and she’s already making noises. Sports Illustrated predicts she’ll be one of her team’s top players, and with her talent, they’re probably right. But Hamiley isn’t just about hoops—she’s also a budding writer, contributing to her high school publication. This multi-talented athlete is proving she’s got more than one way to make an impact.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Aloni Arenas, 13 years old
Aloni Arenas started making noise in the seventh grade after footage of him scoring on high schoolers went viral. ESPN’s SportsCenter Next caught wind of the hype, covering him on social media and declaring that Aloni’s on the fast track to becoming a future NBA star. With moves like that, it’s clear he’s just getting started.
Laura’s current relationship status
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Laura Govan’s relationship status remains one of the biggest mysteries in her life. Despite being linked to various people over the years, she hasn’t publicly confirmed being in a committed relationship or having a husband. Her focus? Her children and her career, with an emphasis on self-love and personal growth.
Laura’s journey toward self-discovery and empowerment has struck a chord with fans who admire her honesty and resilience. Whether or not she opens up about her romantic life in the future, Laura’s authenticity and strength continue to inspire others.