2017 was a fortunate year for Jason Tatum. In June, he was drafted third overall in the NBA, and just six months later, he became a father.
On December 6, 2017, Jayson Tatum and his high school girlfriend, Toriah Lachell, became parents to a son, Jayson “Deuce” Christopher Tatum Jr., during Tatum’s first year in the NBA.
Highlights
- Deuce is often seen on Jayson Tatum’s social media and at games, while his mother, Toriah Lachell, rarely appears.
- It sometimes gives the impression that she’s not a part of the picture, and people tend to view Jayson Tatum as a single father.
- Another part of the video showed Ella Mai holding the baby while Tatum took solo pictures with Deuce.
Tatum explained that he didn’t want to sacrifice either role—he was determined to be a great father and basketball player.
Similarly, Deuce is no stranger to being in the spotlight. During several of Tatum’s post-game interviews, his son has often jumped into his lap.
After the Celtics won Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against Milwaukee in May 2022, Deuce whispered something to his dad.
Tatum asked him if he wanted to say something, and a reporter then asked Deuce what he planned to do when the team headed to Miami for their next game.
Deuce grabbed the microphone and jokingly said he was going to go swimming.
Jayson Tatum And Toriah Lachell Co-parents Their Son, Deuce
While Deuce is often seen on Jayson Tatum’s social media and at games, his mother, Toriah Lachell, rarely appears.
Because of this, it sometimes gives the impression that she’s not a part of the picture, and people tend to view Jayson as a single father.
Jayson Tatum being a single father is smoking me cuz we dead have never heard of Deuce’s mom ever
Nigerian Playboy
However, the reality is more complex, as Toriah and Jayson co-parent Deuce, even if she prefers to stay out of the public eye.
She moved to Boston and ran her hair salon. Tatum had mentioned her a few times, like when choosing schools for Deuce.
Jayson Tatum seems to spend a lot of time with Deuce, which isn’t always the case for many professional athletes, even those still in a relationship with the other parent.
Despite his busy basketball schedule, Tatum prioritizes his son and puts effort into being there for him.
Even though people assume the co-parents are always together, that’s not the case during the 82-game season and playoffs.
Deuce often sits on the bench with the team, not in the crowd. Tatum usually arrives and leaves with Deuce by himself.
I keep seeing the co parent everywhere. However from what we’ve seen we know that’s not true for game nights aka 82 games a season including the playoffs. Deuce spends time on the bench with the team during games, he’s never in the crowd. Tatum arrives with deuce alone and leaves with deuce alone. A little weird for “co parents” huh?
Chadwick
At the same time, Deuce’s mom, Lachell, also spends time with him, as shown in TikToks and other social media posts.
While she may not always be with Tatum during games, it’s clear she’s involved in Deuce’s life, just like Tatum is.
Well, they have joint custody, so it’s clear both Tatum and Lachell are equally involved in Deuce’s life.
They have joint custody lol it’s all PR
JXMX
Some might think the public appearances are all for PR since Tatum often shares moments with Deuce on social media, and Toriah is more low-key.
Deuce Is An Elder Brother To Dylan, Jayson Tatum And Ella Mai’s Son
Jayson Tatum and Ella Mai were first linked romantically in 2019 when she was seen sitting courtside at one of Tatum’s games.
Since then, the couple has kept their relationship private. In a 2022 interview on The Breakfast Club, Ella Mai avoided questions about her rumored relationship with Tatum, simply saying that she’s a basketball fan.
ella mai gave birth!!!!! pic.twitter.com/8zurHe11B7
— aims (@yungaims) August 11, 2024
Also, they kept Mai’s pregnancy a secret until she revealed her baby bump during the June celebration of Tatum’s 2024 NBA Finals win.
In a video posted online, Jayson Tatum was seen with Ella Mai, holding their newborn baby, Dylan.
They were joined by Tatum’s mother, grandmother, and his older son, Jayson “Deuce” Tatum Jr., who he shares with his high school girlfriend, Toriah Lachell.
Another part of the video showed Ella Mai holding Dylan while Tatum took solo pictures with Deuce.
Additional Information
- The Boston Celtics have shared moments with Deuce on social media, like when he supported coach Ime Udoka with a pre-game chant in May 2022.
- During the 2022 postseason at TD Garden, Deuce stood by his father’s side for every game while the national anthem was played.
- Celtics player Grant Williams has said that Deuce already shows some impressive basketball skills for his age.
