It was a family outing with a twist over the weekend when Draya Michele, 39, brought her eldest son, Kniko Howard, to watch her boyfriend, Jalen Green, play for the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center. The Rockets secured a victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but the mother-son outing quickly became the subject of widespread online chatter.
Courtside Style
Draya and Kniko sat courtside, showing their support for Green, who is also 22. Kniko sported a stylish olive green jacket and pants set, paired with a white T-shirt and brown boots. Draya opted for a sleek all-black ensemble featuring a tank top, feathered pants, and boots. While their outfits turned heads, the focus quickly shifted to Draya’s relationship with Green, sparking a heated online debate.
Social Media Backlash
Critics flooded social media with commentary on the unusual dynamic between Draya, her son, and her boyfriend, who are the same age.
“Having a stepdad the same age as you is weird as hell. Draya goofy as hell,” one user tweeted.
“Draya’s boyfriend and son can bond over childhood memories. This is crazy,” another added.
Some comments were more critical, accusing Draya of inappropriate behavior. “If it was a man doing this, the backlash would be crazy. Why does society normalize female predators?” questioned one user.
Draya’s Response to Criticism
This isn’t the first time Draya has faced scrutiny for her 17-year age gap with Green. Last summer, she addressed the negativity surrounding their relationship, telling TMZ, “We try to stay off the internet and not really listen to that kind of stuff. Two adults being in love, I don’t know why that would rub people the wrong way. Love is love at the end of the day.”
Despite the criticism, Draya and Green have continued their relationship. In March 2024, the former Basketball Wives star announced her pregnancy with Green’s child, marking her third. The couple welcomed a baby girl in May, though they have chosen not to disclose her name publicly.
A Growing Family
Draya is also a mother to 8-year-old Jru, whom she shares with her ex-fiancé, former NFL star Orlando Scandrick. Meanwhile, Green became a father earlier in 2024, welcoming a daughter with Myah Lakopo just a few months before Draya gave birth.
Draya’s Past Relationships
Over the years, Draya has been linked to several high-profile figures, including Chris Brown, rapper The Game, former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, and New York Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Recently, she has been embroiled in a legal dispute with Taylor, who alleges that Draya is refusing to leave his Los Angeles home.
A Love Under Scrutiny
Despite the backlash, Draya and Green seem committed to their relationship, often brushing off public opinion.
Their courtside appearance, however, has reignited the debate over age gaps in relationships, with many taking sides on whether love truly conquers all or if societal norms are being stretched too far.
For now, Draya appears focused on her family and her business ventures, leaving critics to debate the complexities of her love life on social media. Meanwhile, Green continues to shine on the court, with Draya and her family cheering him on from the sidelines.
