The Shocking Truth About Jalen Green's Baby Mama: 5 Key Facts About Draya Michele And Daughter Lyght Green
The identity of Jalen Green's baby mama is one of the most talked-about topics in the NBA and celebrity gossip circles, and as of December 23, 2025, the full picture has emerged. The Houston Rockets star welcomed his first child with long-time girlfriend, model, actress, and entrepreneur Draya Michele, a relationship that has captivated fans and critics alike due to their significant age difference and high-profile status. This article provides the most up-to-date and comprehensive look at the woman at the center of the story: Draya Michele, her career, and the details of her new life with the young NBA sensation.
The couple's journey from a discreet dating life to welcoming their daughter, Lyght Green, in May 2024, has been a whirlwind of headlines, social media commentary, and public curiosity. Despite the intense scrutiny surrounding their 17-year age gap, Draya Michele and Jalen Green have remained committed to their relationship, celebrating their new family milestone. Below is a deep dive into Draya Michele's life, career, and the defining moments of her relationship with the Filipino-American basketball prodigy.
Draya Michele: A Complete Biography and Professional Profile
Draya Michele, born Andraya Michele Howard, is a multi-hyphenate star whose career has spanned reality television, modeling, acting, and successful entrepreneurship. Her journey from a reality TV personality to a respected fashion mogul provides a rich background to the woman who is now the mother of Jalen Green’s child.
- Full Name: Andraya Michele Howard
- Date of Birth: January 23, 1985
- Current Age (as of December 2025): 40
- Place of Birth: Reading, Pennsylvania, USA
- Profession: Social Media Personality, Model, Actress, Fashion Designer, Entrepreneur
- Reality TV Career: Best known for her four seasons as a main cast member on VH1’s hit reality series, Basketball Wives LA (2011–2015). She used the platform to launch her highly successful business ventures.
- Entrepreneurial Ventures:
- Mint Swim: A highly popular and successful swimwear line, launched in 2011, which has been worn by numerous celebrities and featured in major fashion publications.
- Fine Ass Girls (F.A.G.): A contemporary women’s clothing line that saw immense success upon its initial launch.
- Acting Career Highlights: Draya transitioned to acting after reality TV, securing roles in films such as Will to Love (2015), The Perfect Match (2016), and more recently, the 2022 Christmas movie The Sound of Christmas, and the 2024 film Somnium.
- Children: Draya is a mother of three. She has two sons from previous relationships, Kniko and Jru, and her daughter, Lyght Green, with Jalen Green.
- Net Worth: Her estimated net worth is reported to be around $600,000, stemming from her diverse career in television, modeling, and her fashion businesses.
The Jalen Green and Draya Michele Relationship Timeline: From DMs to Daughter
The relationship between Jalen Green, a high-flying guard for the Houston Rockets, and Draya Michele has been a subject of intense public and media focus, primarily due to the significant age difference. Their romance became public knowledge in 2023, quickly leading to the announcement of their pregnancy and the birth of their child.
How the Couple Met and Went Public
The couple’s romantic connection began to surface publicly around August 2023. The initial buzz was fueled by their joint appearances and social media speculation. Jalen Green, who is significantly younger than Draya, later revealed in an interview that he was the one who initiated the relationship by sliding into her DMs (Direct Messages). This detail added a modern, personal touch to the high-profile coupling, showing the NBA star’s determination to pursue the entrepreneur.
Their relationship quickly progressed, with the couple keeping many intimate details private but still sharing glimpses of their life together. They were often seen color-coordinating at events, a subtle but clear sign of their commitment and shared style.
The Pregnancy and Birth of Lyght Green
In March 2024, Draya Michele announced her pregnancy, confirming the news on social media. The announcement was a major headline, further solidifying the seriousness of her relationship with Jalen Green. The couple celebrated the impending arrival of their baby girl with a sweet, coordinated baby shower, cementing their status as a committed family unit.
Their daughter, Lyght Green, was born on May 12, 2024. The name "Lyght" (sometimes stylized as Lyght) was later revealed, adding a unique and meaningful element to their family story. This birth marked Jalen Green’s first child and Draya Michele’s third, expanding her family of sons (Kniko and Jru) to include a daughter.
Addressing the 17-Year Age Gap and Public Controversy
Perhaps the most discussed aspect of Jalen Green and Draya Michele’s relationship is the 17-year age gap between the NBA player and the veteran media personality. As of late 2025, Jalen Green is 23, while Draya Michele is 40. This significant difference has led to considerable public debate and criticism, which the couple has had to navigate openly.
The 'Ageist' Criticism and Draya's Response
The relationship has drawn a polarized reaction on social media, with many critics focusing on the age difference. Draya Michele has been the primary target of this backlash, facing accusations of manipulating the young NBA star. However, the entrepreneur has consistently addressed the controversy head-on, labeling the critics as "ageist."
In various interviews and social media posts, Draya has clapped back at the negative commentary, often comparing the criticism she receives to the lack of scrutiny older men face when dating significantly younger women. Her stance has been firm: the relationship is between two consenting adults who are happy and committed to raising their child together.
Commitment Amidst the Scrutiny
Despite the constant chatter, the couple has shown a united front. Jalen Green’s public commitment to Draya and their daughter, Lyght Green, serves as a powerful counter-narrative to the online negativity. The decision to have a child together, host a baby shower, and publicly share photos of their daughter demonstrates a strong foundation that transcends the age gap controversy. The focus for both Jalen Green, who is focused on his career with the Houston Rockets, and Draya Michele, who continues to manage her fashion empire and acting roles, is now centered on their new family.
The story of Jalen Green and Draya Michele is a modern celebrity romance defined by fame, business, and a new baby girl. Draya Michele’s status as a seasoned entrepreneur and mother of three, coupled with Jalen Green’s NBA stardom, ensures that their family life and relationship will continue to be a topic of interest for years to come. The birth of Lyght Green in May 2024 marks a new, exciting chapter for both stars, shifting the focus from the controversy to their co-parenting journey.
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