Jannero Pargo Jr. is the 18-year-old eldest son of former NBA player Jannero Pargo Sr. and reality TV star Malaysia Pargo from “Basketball Wives LA.” Born on October 5, 2006, he’s grown up between two worlds—professional basketball and reality television.
Most celebrity kids either disappear into private life or chase their own fame. Jannero Jr. chose a middle path. He shows up in family photos his mother posts to her 1.7 million Instagram followers. He plays football and enjoys luxury cars. But he’s not trying to become the next big thing. He’s just being 18.
Quick Facts About Jannero Pargo Jr.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jannero Pargo Jr. |
| Date of Birth | October 5, 2006 |
| Age | 18 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Parents | Jannero Pargo Sr. (father), Malaysia Pargo (mother) |
| Siblings | Jayden Pargo (twin brother, born 2011), Jayla Pargo (twin sister, born 2011) |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Education | High School Student (graduated 2025) |
| Profession | Student |
| Known For | Son of Jannero Pargo Sr. and Malaysia Pargo |
| Sports Interest | Football |
| Social Media | Limited public presence |
| Parents’ Net Worth | Combined $8.5 million (approx.) |
Who Is Jannero Pargo Jr.?
Jannero Pargo Jr. was born on October 5, 2006, making him 18 years old in 2025. He’s the eldest of three children from the marriage of former NBA point guard Jannero Pargo Sr. and reality TV personality Malaysia Pargo.
His father played 12 seasons in the NBA for teams including the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors, New Orleans Hornets, Charlotte Hornets, and Atlanta Hawks. After retiring in 2015, Jannero Sr. transitioned to coaching and currently serves as an assistant coach for the Indiana Pacers.
His mother gained fame on VH1’s “Basketball Wives LA,” which premiered in 2011. She appeared on the show for multiple seasons, giving viewers a look into her life as an NBA wife, businesswoman, and mother. Malaysia built her own brand through the show, launching jewelry and bedding lines.
Jannero Jr. was born the same year his parents married. He arrived before his mother’s reality TV fame, meaning his earliest years were relatively private compared to what came later.
He has two younger siblings—twins Jayden and Jayla, born in 2011. The five-year age gap means Jannero Jr. experienced being an only child before becoming a big brother, a role he’s embraced according to family social media posts.
Unlike his father, Jannero Jr. chose football over basketball. While growing up with an NBA player dad might seem like a natural path to basketball, Jannero Jr. found his own athletic passion on the football field.
Early Life: Growing Up Between Basketball and Reality TV
Jannero Jr.’s early childhood coincided with his father’s final years as an NBA player. In 2006, when he was born, his father was playing for the Los Angeles Lakers after stints overseas in Russia and Greece.
The family lived in Riverwoods, Illinois, an affluent suburb north of Chicago, starting in 2009. This gave Jannero Jr. stability during his formative years while his father played for various NBA teams.
His mother appeared on “Basketball Wives LA” starting in 2011, when Jannero Jr. was 5 years old. The show filmed his mother’s life, occasionally showing glimpses of the children, though Malaysia protected their privacy more than some cast members did.
Growing up meant watching his father travel constantly for games, practices, and training camps. NBA players spend half the season on the road, which meant Jannero Sr. missed significant portions of his son’s childhood.
His mother balanced her reality TV filming schedule with raising three young children. She managed the household, attended the kids’ activities, and maintained her own business ventures while cameras occasionally followed her around.
The twins Jayden and Jayla arrived in 2011, changing family dynamics when Jannero Jr. was 5 years old. He went from being the only child to being the oldest of three, taking on responsibilities as the big brother.
Parents’ Divorce: Family Changes at Age 8
Malaysia filed for divorce from Jannero Sr. in 2014, when Jannero Jr. was 8 years old. The marriage lasted eight years before ending publicly and somewhat contentiously.
The divorce became part of Malaysia’s storyline on “Basketball Wives LA.” Viewers watched as she dealt with the end of her marriage while raising three young children. This meant Jannero Jr.’s family situation played out partially in public view.
Court documents revealed the divorce settlement details. Malaysia received:
- 50% of Jannero Sr.’s NBA pension
- $15,380 monthly child support
- $7,500 monthly spousal support
- Half of his 401(k) savings plans
- Access to the Three Beats LLC jewelry collection
- A 2015 Mercedes Benz G550
- The Riverwoods, Illinois home
These financial details became public knowledge, exposing the family’s private matters to public discussion. For an 8-year-old, having your parents’ divorce dissected in entertainment news couldn’t have been easy.
In a 2020 interview on “Couples Court TV,” Malaysia expressed regret about not trying counseling first. She said, “One of the things that I wish I would’ve done is step back and go to counseling between the both of us because right now to the day we still very much love each other.”
This suggests the divorce wasn’t driven by hatred but by unresolved issues that might have been worked through differently. For Jannero Jr. and his siblings, this meant their parents maintained respect for each other despite separating.
Both parents committed to co-parenting. Despite their marriage ending, they worked together to raise their three children. Neither parent publicly badmouthed the other or used the kids as weapons in their disputes.
Jannero Pargo Sr.: The NBA Father
Jannero Pargo Sr. was born on October 22, 1979, in Chicago, Illinois. He’s now 45 years old and working as an assistant coach in the NBA.
He attended Paul Robeson High School in Chicago before playing college basketball at Neosho County Community College in Kansas. He then transferred to the University of Arkansas, where he played for the Razorbacks.
At Arkansas, Jannero Sr. was known for his long-range shooting. He’d casually dribble across half-court and launch deep three-pointers—a style that was ahead of its time in the early 2000s but is now standard in modern NBA play.
The Toronto Raptors initially signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2002. His NBA career spanned from 2002 to 2015, with stops at multiple teams:
- Los Angeles Lakers (2002-2003, 2005-2006)
- Toronto Raptors (2003-2004)
- Chicago Bulls (2004-2005, 2009-2011)
- New Orleans Hornets (2006-2008)
- Dynamo Moscow, Russia (2008-2009)
- Olympiacos, Greece (2009)
- Atlanta Hawks (2011-2013)
- Washington Wizards (2012)
- Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets (2013-2015)
- Oklahoma City Blue (2016, G-League)
His career totals included 2,499 points, 797 assists, and a 36.2% three-point shooting percentage across 349 NBA games. These aren’t superstar numbers, but they represent a solid 12-year career as a backup point guard—an achievement most basketball players never reach.
After retiring, he transitioned to coaching. He worked with player development before becoming an assistant coach for the Indiana Pacers. This keeps him in basketball while providing more stability than playing did.
His estimated net worth is $4 million, earned through NBA salaries, overseas contracts, coaching income, and smart financial management. He’s also the brother of Jeremy Pargo, another professional basketball player, showing basketball runs in the family.
For Jannero Jr., having a father with this background means access to elite basketball knowledge and connections. Whether he uses these advantages remains to be seen.
People Also Love to Read This: Laurie Holmond: Biography, Son Julian & Life After Snoop Dogg
Malaysia Pargo: The Reality TV Mother
Malaysia Pargo was born Laquisha Gilbert on August 12, 1980, in Compton, California. She’s now 44 years old and working as an entrepreneur and occasional TV personality.
She changed her name to Malaysia professionally, though she kept it private until a 2015 episode of “Basketball Wives” revealed her birth name. The name change represents her desire to create her own identity in entertainment.
Malaysia married Jannero Sr. in 2006 after four years of dating. She became an NBA wife, which meant managing a household while her husband traveled constantly and dealing with the attention that comes with professional sports.
Her big break came in 2011 when VH1 launched “Basketball Wives LA,” a spin-off of the original “Basketball Wives” series. The show followed the lives of women connected to professional basketball players, whether as wives, girlfriends, or ex-partners.
Malaysia appeared on the show from Season 1 through Season 10, making her one of the longest-running cast members. She was popular with viewers for being more level-headed than some cast members who favored drama and confrontation.
Through the show, she launched business ventures:
- Three Beats Jewelry: A line of affordable jewelry pieces
- Bedding Line: Home goods focusing on sheets and bedding accessories
- Social Media Influence: Building a following of 1.7 million on Instagram
Her estimated net worth is $4.5 million, earned through reality TV salaries, business ventures, endorsements, and social media partnerships. This financial independence means she doesn’t rely solely on child support from her ex-husband.
Malaysia has been open about motherhood on social media and in interviews. She frequently posts photos and videos of her three children, celebrating their achievements and sharing family moments with her followers.
She’s also spoken about the challenges of single motherhood while maintaining a career. Balancing TV filming, business meetings, and parenting three children requires organization and support systems.
In March 2025, Malaysia announced her mother’s death on social media, writing a heartfelt tribute about losing “my earthly angel, my original supporter, my best friend.” This loss affected the entire family, including Jannero Jr. and his siblings.
The Twins: Jayden and Jayla Pargo
Jayden and Jayla Pargo were born in 2011, making them 14 years old in 2025. They’re fraternal twins who have grown up entirely in the social media age.
Jayla Pargo is the only daughter in the family. She’s passionate about gymnastics and frequently participates in competitions and training. Her mother often posts photos and videos of her performing tumbling passes, balance beam routines, and floor exercises.
Jayla appears confident and outgoing in family photos and videos. Malaysia calls her “mommy’s little princess” and documents her growth from childhood to teenage years on Instagram.
Jayden Pargo is the youngest child and second son. He’s described as more reserved than his siblings but shares close bonds with both Jannero Jr. and Jayla.
In June 2022, Malaysia posted a photo of Jayden with a caption joking that he wanted to look so good he appeared ready to be drafted by the Atlanta Hawks as he entered junior high school. This shows the family’s continued connection to basketball even years after Jannero Sr.’s retirement.
The five-year age gap between Jannero Jr. and the twins means he’s always been significantly older. He experienced his parents’ marriage, their divorce, and life as an only child before his siblings were even born.
This age difference positioned him as a mentor and protector rather than a peer. He helps with the twins, sets an example, and bridges the gap between his parents and younger siblings.
Family social media shows all three children doing activities together—making slime, creating art projects with melted Skittles, playing sports, and celebrating holidays and birthdays. Despite the age gap, they appear close and supportive of each other.
Education and School Life
Specific details about Jannero Jr.’s education remain mostly private. His mother has chosen not to disclose which schools he attends, protecting his ability to have normal school experiences without excessive attention.
Given his family’s financial resources and his mother’s emphasis on education, he likely attends(ed) private school in the Chicago area or wherever the family currently lives.
He graduated from high school in 2025 at age 18. What comes next—college, gap year, work, or something else—hasn’t been publicly announced.
Malaysia has emphasized education’s importance in interviews and social media posts. She wants her children to have options beyond relying on family wealth or trying to replicate their parents’ careers.
Balancing school with his sports activities requires time management. Football practices, games, and training take up significant time outside of academic responsibilities.
As the oldest child with famous parents, Jannero Jr. likely faces extra attention from classmates and teachers who know his family background. This attention could create pressure to perform or prove himself independent of his parents’ achievements.
Sports Interests: Choosing Football Over Basketball
Jannero Jr. plays football rather than basketball. This choice is interesting given his father’s NBA career and continued basketball connections.
Football requires different skills than basketball—physicality, strategy, teamwork, and position-specific techniques. The sport also involves different injury risks, training methods, and competitive structures.
His specific position and level of play aren’t publicly documented. Whether he plays for his high school team, a club team, or just recreationally remains unclear.
The decision to pursue football instead of basketball might reflect several factors:
- Wanting to establish his own identity separate from his father’s legacy
- Genuinely preferring football’s style of play and team dynamics
- Avoiding direct comparisons to his father’s NBA career
- Simply enjoying football more than basketball
His father appears supportive of this choice. Despite spending his entire adult life in basketball, Jannero Sr. hasn’t pushed his son into the same sport.
This shows healthy parenting—allowing children to follow their own interests rather than forcing them into predetermined paths based on parental achievements or expectations.
Lifestyle and Family Wealth
The Pargo family’s combined net worth of approximately $8.5 million provides significant financial security. This wealth comes from Jannero Sr.’s NBA career and coaching salary plus Malaysia’s reality TV income and business ventures.
This financial position means Jannero Jr. and his siblings experience luxuries many teenagers don’t:
- High-end vehicles (Jannero Jr. has posed with Rolls Royce Wraiths and Lamborghinis on social media)
- Designer clothing and shoes
- Travel opportunities
- Private education options
- Access to elite sports training and facilities
His mother’s Instagram often shows family vacations, birthday celebrations with elaborate decorations and gifts, and holidays with expensive presents. These posts document a lifestyle of comfort and abundance.
However, Malaysia has also emphasized teaching her children values beyond material wealth. She posts about gratitude, hard work, respect, and family bonds—lessons that money can’t buy.
The divorce settlement ensures financial support for all three children through college age. The $15,380 monthly child support plus spousal support creates substantial resources for household expenses, education, activities, and savings
Social Media Presence and Public Image
Unlike many celebrity children who build massive social media followings, Jannero Jr. maintains a relatively low profile. He appears in his mother’s Instagram posts but doesn’t have a verified public account with millions of followers.
His mother’s 1.7 million followers see photos and videos of him periodically—birthday celebrations, family vacations, school achievements, and everyday moments. Malaysia controls what’s shared, protecting aspects of his life she wants kept private.
When he appears in photos, comments often mention his resemblance to his father or compliment his style and appearance. Fans of “Basketball Wives LA” have watched him grow from a young child to a teenager through Malaysia’s social media over the years.
He’s shown with luxury items—expensive cars, designer shoes, stylish clothing. These posts generate attention and sometimes criticism about displaying wealth, but they’re part of the family’s lifestyle and brand.
His approach differs from siblings of other reality TV stars or athletes who become influencers themselves. He’s not promoting products, building a personal brand, or trying to monetize his family connections.
This measured approach to social media and public attention suggests maturity and possibly lessons learned from watching his mother navigate reality TV fame and his father deal with NBA attention.
Relationship with Both Parents
Despite their divorce, both Jannero Sr. and Malaysia remain active in their children’s lives. They’ve successfully co-parented for over a decade since separating.
Jannero Jr. spends time with both parents separately. His father’s coaching career with the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis means travel for visits, but they maintain their relationship despite geographic distance.
His mother has primary custody and lives with the children full-time. She manages daily schedules, school activities, medical appointments, and everyday parenting responsibilities.
Both parents attend important events—graduations, birthday parties, sports competitions, and holidays. They’re photographed together at family functions, showing they can put aside personal differences for their children’s sake.
Malaysia has spoken publicly about still loving Jannero Sr. despite their divorce. This suggests their split wasn’t driven by animosity but by incompatibility that couldn’t be resolved while married.
For Jannero Jr., having parents who respect each other even after divorce provides stability. He doesn’t deal with bitter custody battles, parental alienation, or being forced to choose sides.
This cooperative co-parenting arrangement benefits all three children, giving them access to both parents without the emotional damage that contentious divorces often cause.
Future Plans and Prospects
At 18 years old and recently graduated from high school, Jannero Jr. stands at a crossroads. Several paths lie ahead:
College: He could attend university, studying any field that interests him. His family’s financial situation means he can choose schools based on fit rather than affordability.
Athletics: If his football skills are strong enough, he might pursue college football at some level—Division I, Division II, Division III, or NAIA depending on his abilities and interests.
Business: With parents experienced in entertainment and sports business, he could pursue entrepreneurship or learn family business operations.
Entertainment: His mother’s connections in reality TV and his father’s connections in sports media could open doors if he’s interested in that world.
Private Life: He could also choose to live privately, working in fields unrelated to his parents’ careers and avoiding public attention entirely.
What’s notable is that he has choices. The financial security his parents built means he doesn’t face immediate pressure to earn income. He can explore interests, try different paths, and figure out what genuinely appeals to him.
His mother has emphasized wanting her children to work hard and build their own achievements rather than coasting on family wealth. This suggests Jannero Jr. is being raised with expectations of contribution and effort, not entitlement.
Lesser-Known Facts About Jannero Pargo Jr.
He Was Born the Same Year His Parents Married: Jannero Jr. arrived in 2006, the same year Malaysia and Jannero Sr. tied the knot, suggesting he may have been born shortly after the wedding.
His Father Played for 7 Different NBA Teams: Jannero Sr.’s career took him all over the NBA, meaning Jannero Jr.’s early childhood involved moves and adjustments as his father changed teams.
He’s a Libra: Born on October 5th, his zodiac sign is Libra, typically associated with balance, harmony, and social connection—traits useful for navigating life as a celebrity child.
He Makes Creative Projects with His Siblings: Family posts show them making galaxy slime, melting Skittles to create art, and doing other hands-on activities together.
His Mother’s Real Name Is Laquisha: Malaysia Pargo was born Laquisha Gilbert and later changed her name professionally, something fans didn’t learn until years into “Basketball Wives LA.”
His Parents Still Love Each Other: Despite divorcing in 2014, Malaysia admitted in 2020 that she and Jannero Sr. still love each other and wish they’d tried counseling.
He Has an Uncle Who Also Played in the NBA: Jeremy Pargo, his father’s brother, also had a professional basketball career, making basketball a multi-generational family pursuit.
He Chose Football Over Basketball: Despite his father’s NBA legacy and current coaching career, Jannero Jr. pursued football instead of following directly in his dad’s footsteps.
People Also Love to Read This: Kelley South Russell: Biography, Net Worth & Personal Life of Kid Rock’s Former Partner
Final Thoughts
Jannero Pargo Jr. represents a new generation growing up in the unique intersection of professional sports and reality television. He didn’t choose his parents’ careers or the attention that comes with them.
What he did choose was how to handle that attention. He could have become a social media influencer, trading on his famous last name and his mother’s followers. He could have pursued basketball intensely, trying to live up to or surpass his father’s NBA career. He could have rebelled against the public attention through dramatic behavior.
Instead, he chose a middle path. He plays the sport he enjoys, not the one expected of him. He appears in family photos without seeking his own spotlight. He maintains privacy while acknowledging his family’s public roles.
At 18, he’s still figuring out who he is separate from being “Jannero Pargo’s son” or “Malaysia Pargo’s son.” That’s exactly what he should be doing at this age.
His parents’ divorce could have derailed him. Growing up with reality TV cameras occasionally filming could have distorted his sense of normal. The wealth and privilege could have created entitlement.
Yet he appears to be navigating these challenges successfully. He has both parents actively involved in his life. He has younger siblings he cares about. He has interests and activities beyond his family name.
Whether he eventually steps fully into public life or continues choosing privacy remains to be seen. Either way, he’s building a foundation based on his own choices rather than just inheriting his parents’ paths.
That’s the best outcome any parent could hope for—raising children who become independent adults capable of making their own decisions and creating their own identities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jannero Pargo Jr.
Who is Jannero Pargo Jr.?
Jannero Pargo Jr. is the 18-year-old eldest son of former NBA player Jannero Pargo Sr. and reality TV star Malaysia Pargo from “Basketball Wives LA.” Born on October 5, 2006, he’s known for being part of a famous sports and entertainment family.
How old is Jannero Pargo Jr. in 2025?
Jannero Pargo Jr. is 18 years old as of 2025. He was born on October 5, 2006, making him a Libra. He recently graduated from high school and is deciding on his next steps.
Does Jannero Pargo Jr. play basketball like his father?
No, Jannero Jr. plays football rather than basketball. Despite his father’s NBA career and current role as an assistant coach for the Indiana Pacers, Jannero Jr. chose to pursue football, establishing his own athletic identity.
Who are Jannero Pargo Jr.’s siblings?
Jannero Jr. has two younger siblings—twins Jayden and Jayla Pargo, born in 2011. Jayla is passionate about gymnastics, while Jayden shares close bonds with both his siblings. The three children appear close despite the five-year age gap.
Are Jannero Pargo Jr.’s parents still together?
No, Malaysia Pargo filed for divorce from Jannero Pargo Sr. in 2014 when Jannero Jr. was 8 years old. The divorce was finalized the same year. Despite separating, both parents actively co-parent their three children and maintain respect for each other.
