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Dec 31, 2024 | 5:45 AM EST
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Mar 27, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Trevor Ariza (1) laughs during warm ups before their game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-Imagn Images
via Imago
Mar 27, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Trevor Ariza (1) laughs during warm ups before their game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-Imagn Images
Everyone knows about the impressive professional life of the former NBA star Trevor Ariza. But what about his personal life? Some fans were shocked when his marriage to Bree Anderson ended in 2022 after a tumultuous legal battle. The divorce wasn’t just about splitting assets. It involved heated disputes over the child and spousal support. Bree demanded $60,000 a month to maintain the lifestyle their two children had grown accustomed to. But Ariza ultimately settled on $10,000 per month and a one-time payment of $664,000.
To make matters worse, Bree sought a restraining order that could’ve prevented Ariza aka Switchblade from seeing his kids. Thus adding emotional weight to the financial toll. This, however, was not the first instance that the ex-NBA star faced such harsh demand during a split from his partner. Yes, while the 2009 NBA champ is reportedly single as of now, he had a lesser-known relationship with Lana Allen before he tied the knot with Bree Anderson.
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Yep, the end to the past relationship of the former NBA star was just as challenging as his split with Bree Anderson. While the relationship between Lana And Trevor has not been well documented, the case regarding the demand for a restraining order against the 2009 NBA champ gained major media attention.
In 2020, a deeply personal and distressing family matter involving him came to public attention. A Los Angeles judge issued a temporary restraining order to keep Ariza, then a Portland Trail Blazers player, away from his 12-year-old son after Allen accused him of physical abuse.
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 12, 2022; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Trevor Ariza (1) during the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Allen’s case included a declaration from son Tajh, presented a photo, and involved police. However, the investigation was inconclusive, leaving many questions unanswered.
The former LA Lakers star, on the other hand, denied the accusations. He alleged that Allen had been orchestrating a campaign to harm his relationship with Tajh and to block his visitation rights. According to court documents obtained by the Associated Press, Trevor Ariza accused Allen of manipulating their son. Thus making it difficult for him to present his side of the story.
After carefully reviewing testimonies from all involved parties—including Tajh, both parents, and therapists—the judge ultimately dismissed the restraining order against the ’09 champ. The court found no evidence to support claims of physical abuse. “While the relationship between Ariza and his son is clearly strained, the court finds that [Tajh] is not in any physical or emotional danger with his father,” the judge concluded.
Instead of prolonging the conflict, the judge urged both parents to work toward a parenting plan. Something that could foster a more positive environment for their son. Following this, Allen retained primary custody. Ariza, meanwhile, was granted significant visitation rights with the hope of mending his relationship with Tajh.
By 2024, Tajh became a 5-star recruit, ranked seventh in the 2026 ESPN 60 Recruiting Database. And turned heads as one of the most talented players in his class. But behind the rankings and headlines was a story that goes deeper. One about family, growth, and a father-son bond that had been through its fair share of challenges.
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 5, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Trevor Ariza against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Trevor Ariza surely played a massive role in Tajh’s journey, but it wasn’t always smooth sailing. After Tajh moved back to Los Angeles from North Carolina, the two had to rebuild their connection. Trevor recently opened up about this on the UNINTERRUPTED podcast, calling it a “curve” they had to navigate.
He shared how important it was to reconnect as father and son first. Whether it was setting ground rules at home or just spending time together. “We’re learning each other through difficult times. So when it’s dad and son time and I got to be in the house with them. Like my dog, like go make your bed or go brush your teeth,” he said.
Trevor Ariza also spoke about his son’s personal growth and willingness to learn. “It’s easier for me because he understands when I’m teaching him on the court or what we go through on a daily basis.” And while the former NBA star seemed thrilled about Tajh’s rise on the court, he was even more proud of the person Tajh was becoming.
Sure, basketball is a big deal, but as the ex-Lakers star put it, “Basketball is only a small piece of what life really is”. Watching Tajh grow as a person, that’s what amazes him the most.
For Tajh, meanwhile, the comparisons to his dad are inevitable, but he’s determined to carve out his own path. “Ever since I was little, I’ve been trying to carve out my own thing,” he admitted. His goal? To someday flip the narrative so people say, “That’s Tajh Ariza’s pops.”
At the heart of it all is a bond that’s stronger than ever. So even though Ariza had a difficult end to his relationship with Lana Allen, he did not allow the surrounding negativity to let his bond with his son be tarnished.
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