Draya Michele defends dating Jalen Green, who is the same age as her son, after she was accused of “grooming” the NBA player

Draya Michele and her young beau, Houston Rockets star Jalen Green, don’t care about critics questioning their 17-year age difference.

In fact, Michele, 39, said TMZ that they’re aware that they mustn’t reply to critical comments, while Green, 22, interjected and added: “We don’t care either.” The couple was captured by a photographer as they strolled the streets of Los Angeles, looking like they were on a lunch date.

The former “Basketball Wives” Los Angeles solid member further added, “I don’t know what people’s problems are. Two adults are in love with each other, you know, I don’t know why that would irritate people in the wrong way. That is a bit strange. Love is love at the end of the day.”

Critics were quick to answer her comments. One person he wrote“There is no love in it in any respect. She’s just a girl securing one other check and that is all. A second person tweeted that Green’s lack of maturity was evident from their interactions, or lack thereof, in the video.

“This man is empty-handed while elderly Mrs. Draya pushes a baby stroller through a busy intersection, carrying a bag with her baby and attempting to avoid the caller. The jokes write themselves,” we read in the article comment.

Third response read: “This young nigga do not know the right way to be a no person daddy. He is young and she mainly has 2 newborns.

Social media users accuse her of seducing a young man. The first rumors that the Mint Swim founder and Green were dating in August 2023.

Their speculated courtship quickly became the subject of pregnancy rumors when a model supporting him was spotted at a Rockets home game in January in an oversized jumpsuit. The upcoming birth of her third child was announced in May, in a dramatic and mawkish way, on International Women’s Day.

“We are happy to share our love for you, little girl. I’m excited to say words to my daughter that I never thought I would have. We are anxious about your arrival, but take your time – this world can be difficult. But know that you are being transported to a space of love, safety and adornment,” she wrote, remaining a mother at the time, confirming that Green is the father of her unborn child.

His suspicions were confirmed when his friend and Washington Wizards player Kyle Kuzma congratulated Draya and Green online.

Michele is already mother to 22-year-old son Kniko Howard from a previous relationship and 8-year-old Jru Scandrick, whom she shares with her ex-fiancé, retired NFL player Orlando Scandrick. The latest baby, born on Mother’s Day, is Green’s second child.

Social media users were shocked to learn that he welcomed a daughter with a girl named Myah Iakopo in February. According to TMZ, despite their overlapping schedules, Iakopo “isn’t concerned about what Green does with his personal life outside of co-parenting” and has no issues with Michele.