LeBron James Sends 2-Word Salute After Kiyan Anthony Lights Up His First College Game

Carmelo Anthony's son Kiyan Anthony debuted for the Syracuse Orange on Tuesday, helping them defeat Binghamton 85-48. Kiyan had 15 points, three rebounds and three assists in 29 minutes off the bench.

Anthony's performance caught the attention of his father's close friend LeBron James, who sent a two-word message for the 18-year-old as he opened a new chapter in his basketball career.

"Yessir nephew!!!," James wrote on Instagram, reposting Anthony's stat line with Syracuse.

Anthony shot an efficient 6-of-10 from the field, including 1-of-3 from the 3-point line.

It marked the first game of Kiyan's collegiate career, over two decades since his father Carmelo began his legendary run with Syracuse in 2003, which culminated in a national championship.

Carmelo was drafted with the No. 3 pick, just behind James, who went to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Darko Milicic, who was picked by the Detroit Pistons. James and Carmelo have enjoyed a strong friendship, both on and off the court, since then.

Now, Kiyan hopes to emulate his father's legacy in Syracuse ahead of a possible jump to the NBA.

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Carmelo Anthony wants Kiyan to make his own legacy in Syracuse

Carmelo Anthony knows the pressure Kiyan faces in every game he plays for Syracuse. He hopes his son proves himself regardless and makes a name for himself.

“You talk about legacy, and you talk about family dynamics, you talk about passing things on down to your family, to your kids," Carmelo said in an interview with the Daily Orange. "And this is something that we passing, and we passing the baton to him. And now whatever he do with it, he do with it, and that’s on him."

"I think he understood and understands what this really means, as far as putting an ‘S’ on your chest,” he added.

Carmelo made his mark in the NBA with the Denver Nuggets and the New York Knicks. He played alongside James with the Lakers during the 2021-22 season, before retiring at the end of that year.

Carmelo is now an avid supporter of his son, appearing in multiple Syracuse exhibition games to cheer for Kiyan.