NBA Players’ Daughters Who Dated Their Fathers’ Rivals

The NBA is more than just a league of athletes—it’s a dynasty of families. The children of legends grow up in the glare of the spotlight, their lives scrutinized almost as much as their fathers’ careers. And when those daughters step into relationships with players—sometimes rivals of their fathers—the stories become irresistible fodder for fans and media alike.

From Callie Rivers’ turbulent romance with Paul George to Jasmine Jordan’s marriage to Rakeem Christmas, from Sadel Curry’s union with Damion Lee to the persistent rumors about Natalia Bryant and Bronny James, these tales reveal the intersection of family, fame, and basketball culture.

Callie Rivers and Paul George: Betrayal and Awkward Reunions

Callie Rivers, daughter of longtime NBA player and coach Doc Rivers, grew up immersed in basketball. While her brother Austin pursued the NBA, Callie excelled in volleyball at the University of Florida.

In 2013, she began dating Indiana Pacers star Paul George. The relationship seemed solid—public appearances, affectionate photos, and the aura of NBA royalty. But in early 2014, reports surfaced that George had cheated with Daniela Rajic, a former stripper. Rajic later announced she was pregnant, sparking a public paternity battle.

The fallout was swift. Callie ended the relationship, feeling humiliated. The Rivers family rallied around her, and Austin Rivers traded subtle barbs with George.

The drama resurfaced in 2019 when George was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers—coached by Doc Rivers. Social media erupted with memes about awkward family dinners. Analysts speculated that tension contributed to the Clippers’ playoff collapse in 2020, which led to Doc’s firing.

Ironically, George reconciled with Rajic, marrying her in 2022. Callie moved on, marrying Seth Curry in 2019. During a playoff game against George’s Clippers, Seth reportedly scored on George and called him an expletive—a moment fans immediately linked to the past.

Kysre Gondrezick and Jaylen Brown: A Power Couple That Fizzled

Kysre Gondrezick, daughter of former NBA player Grant Gondrezick, was drafted fourth overall in the 2021 WNBA Draft. Her career has been turbulent, marked by injuries and roster instability.

In 2024, she was spotted celebrating with Celtics star Jaylen Brown during Boston’s championship parade. Soon after, they appeared together at the ESPYs, confirming their relationship. Fans hailed them as a power couple bridging the NBA and WNBA.

But Gondrezick’s past loomed large. She had previously dated Kevin Porter Jr., whose 2023 arrest for assaulting her made headlines. The relationship with Brown seemed like a fresh start.

By early 2025, however, rumors of a split surfaced. Gondrezick posed for Playboy in October, declaring herself “very single” and downplaying her past relationships. Brown stayed silent, focusing on basketball.

Jasmine Jordan and Rakeem Christmas: The Quiet Story with Rumors of Trouble

Jasmine Jordan, youngest daughter of Michael Jordan, met Rakeem Christmas at Syracuse University. Christmas, a standout forward, was drafted in 2015 but had a brief NBA career before playing overseas.

The couple went public in 2016, got engaged in 2018, and welcomed a son in 2019—making Michael Jordan a grandfather. Their wedding plans were delayed by the pandemic, but they married privately in 2020.

For years, their relationship seemed stable. But by 2024, whispers of strain emerged. Christmas posted cryptic messages about struggles, while Jasmine’s social media focused more on her son. Reports in 2025 suggested a separation, though neither confirmed it.

Sadel Curry and Damion Lee: Fighting Nepotism Narratives

Sadel Curry, youngest child of Dell Curry and sister to Steph and Seth, pursued volleyball at Elon University before moving into media and entrepreneurship.

She met Damion Lee in 2016, before his NBA breakthrough. They married in 2018. Lee later joined the Warriors, sparking speculation that Steph’s influence helped secure his spot.

Both pushed back against nepotism narratives. Lee emphasized his hard work, while Sadel clarified that they were engaged before he joined Golden State.

Their marriage has endured family challenges, including Dell and Sonya Curry’s divorce in 2021. In 2025, they faced their first major family crisis but remained united, raising three children together.

Natalia Bryant and Bronny James: The Rumor That Wouldn’t Die

Natalia Bryant, eldest daughter of Kobe Bryant, has pursued modeling and film studies at USC. Bronny James, son of LeBron James, committed to USC in 2023 before being drafted by the Lakers in 2024.

Fans immediately speculated about a romance, imagining a union of NBA dynasties. Fake social media posts claimed they were dating, even fabricating engagement stories.

Natalia denied the rumors in October 2025, calling them false and invasive. Bronny stayed silent. The episode highlighted the dangers of misinformation in the social media era.

Cheryl Ford: Privacy Amid Speculation

Cheryl Ford, daughter of Karl Malone, had a complicated relationship with her father, who initially denied paternity. Despite this, she built a stellar WNBA career, winning three championships with the Detroit Shock.

Her personal life has remained private. Online speculation has linked her to Pistons players, but nothing substantiated. Ford has focused on raising her daughter Cameron as a single mother, emphasizing independence.

Tahira O’Neal: Navigating Shaq’s Rules

Tahira O’Neal, eldest daughter of Shaquille O’Neal, pursued a career in marketing rather than sports. Her dating life has been shaped by Shaq’s strict rules—he famously said his daughters could only date after age 24.

Tahira has spoken openly about avoiding athletes, citing the demands of their schedules. She has used dating apps to explore relationships privately, away from her famous last name.

As of 2025, she remains single, focusing on her career and family.

Elisa Johnson: Magic’s Protective Eye

Elisa Johnson, adopted daughter of Magic Johnson, has lived much of her life in the public eye through reality TV and social media. Magic has been vocal about protecting her from exploitative relationships.

Elisa has pursued fashion and lifestyle ventures, balancing independence with the scrutiny that comes from being part of NBA royalty.

Conclusion: The Weight of Legacy

These stories reveal the unique challenges faced by the daughters of NBA legends. Their relationships are scrutinized, their privacy invaded, and their choices often framed through the lens of their fathers’ careers.

Some, like Callie Rivers and Sadel Curry, have built strong families despite public drama. Others, like Natalia Bryant, have had to fight false narratives. Still others, like Cheryl Ford and Tahira O’Neal, have chosen privacy and independence.

In the end, these women remind us that being part of NBA royalty is both a privilege and a burden. Their stories are not just about romance—they are about identity, resilience, and navigating life in the shadow of greatness.