The 17-year age gap between Draya Michele, 40, and her NBA star boyfriend, Jalen Green, 23, has sparked ongoing public interest and online debate for months. Despite intense scrutiny, which even caused Green to temporarily deactivate his social accounts during the playoffs, the couple has recently chosen to address the topic with wit rather than avoid it.
In a recent episode of Whistle’s Home Team relationship quiz, Draya and Jalen highlighted the age difference with playful banter. When asked what they would name their reality show, Draya immediately responded,
“Dre and Jaylen, Bridging the Gap,”
then humorously acknowledged,
“It’s the age gap, y’all. It’s the age gap.”
Their teasing continued as they debated who was the better driver, with Draya jokingly reminding Jalen,
“I mean, I’ve had a driver’s license like your whole life,”
a comment that made him laugh. Adding a playful jab, she noted, “And it’s whole,” referring to Jalen’s broken license. She also poked fun at his basketball knowledge, teasing,
“How were you watching Michael Jordan? He was already done when you was around,”
emphasizing their generational difference.
Gilbert Arenas Reacts with Laughter Amid Past Controversies
The humorous moment caught the attention of former NBA player Gilbert Arenas, who responded to the clip with two laughing emojis. However, Arenas’s involvement with Draya and Jalen carries a complicated history. Months ago, on his podcast with Nick Young, Arenas made inappropriate remarks about the couple, saying,
“Pregnant, pregnant? Got the young boy,”
indirectly referring to their relationship. When Young brought up a previous interaction with Draya, Arenas replied, “She’s a mother now.”
These comments sparked backlash from current NBA players, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, who deemed Arenas’s remarks “out of limits.” Beyond this controversy, longstanding rumors have falsely claimed that Arenas fathered Draya’s oldest son, Kniko—a claim Draya has publicly denied. Despite the complex and public nature of their past, Draya and Jalen remain united, prioritizing their family life above all else.
Settling into Phoenix: Building a Supportive Home
While public conversations swirl around their relationship, Draya Michele and Jalen Green are focusing on establishing a new chapter in Phoenix. Jalen’s recent trade from Houston to the Phoenix Suns has marked a significant professional and personal change. Draya has made it clear that her role is to ensure he experiences a seamless transition. She explained,
“My main responsibility is to support him wherever we were going,”
adding,
“He’s not gonna have to lift the finger. I’ll handle all of that so that he can just relax and play basketball.”
This new beginning is also shaped by a special family milestone: the first birthday of their daughter, Lyght Green. Draya commemorated the day with a heartfelt tribute, stating,
“My baby girl @lyghtgreen turned 1 on Mother’s Day … she the sweetest gift ever.”
The birthday held extra meaning for Draya, as it transformed the poignant anniversary of her father’s passing on Mother’s Day in 2021 into a celebration of new life and joy.
On and Off the Court: Growing Confidence and Team Bonds
On the basketball court, Jalen Green has embraced his new surroundings with encouragement from the Phoenix Suns, notably franchise star Devin Booker. Green revealed,
“I saw Book out here and he called me when I was out in Phoenix trying to look for a house,”
highlighting Booker’s quick support. This gesture helped Green feel welcomed and motivated as part of the team.
Green also expressed optimism about the Suns’ potential as underdogs this season. He said,
“People don’t expect us to do anything,”
but he emphasized the scoring ability he and Booker bring, stating,
“We’re two people who know how to score the basketball… So it’s going to be fun.”
Together, the couple and Jalen’s teammates are embarking on an evolving journey filled with challenges and promise. As Draya and Jalen navigate public perception and personal changes, their focus remains on family and mutual support.
Age Gap: A Matter of Perspective in Love and Life
The public debate surrounding the Jalen Green and Draya Michele age gap remains active, yet the couple demonstrates that love and commitment transcend numbers. The fusion of their personal and professional lives, combined with their ability to approach criticism with humor and grace, sets them apart in the spotlight. What started as a point of contention online has shifted toward a story of resilience and partnership as they build their future together in Phoenix.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Jalen Green paint his nails?
A. Jalen Green from the Houston Rockets started painting his nails because he liked how it matched his hand tattoos, saying it “made it cool.”
Q. Why does Jalen Green paint nails?
A. In a video from 2024, Jalen Green explained that he was motivated to take action because he wanted to match his hand tattoos. He felt that having both together “made it cool” for him.