Laura Govan recalls emotions of sharing the 'truth' about ex Gilbert Arenas to 18YO daughter Izela Arenas: “Lot of cries, lot of laughs”

Laura Govan endured a turbulent breakup with her ex, three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas nearly a decade ago. For Govan, one of the tough parts of the aftermath was explaining this to their daughter, Izela Arenas, who was just nine years old.

In an appearance on Carlos King's podcast, 'Reality With the King' on Tuesday, Govan revealed how she dodged Izela's questions by assuring an explanation would be given when she turned 18. She also mentioned the emotional time she had when she ultimately explained things to Izela. (41:41)

"I remember her telling me when she turned 18, she said, 'Okay, now that I'm 18, you have to tell me the truth', because I always used to tell her, 'I'll wait until you get older I'll wait until you get 18 and then I'll tell you the truth,'" said Govan.

"She was like, 'I want to know' and we sat down. We had a lot of cries and a lot of laughs. And I don't share just the the bad, because that's not real, there's some good in there. I have to give them all of it."

Govan also shared the confusion Izela Arenas felt about going with Gilbert after learning the truth about their separation. Govan simply replied that he was her father.

Izela Arenas to represent Louisville in college basketball

Izela Arenas enjoyed a successful high school basketball career with Sierra Canyon High. In her junior season, she was the top player in the nation, ultimately ranking 88th overall among all prospects in the Class of 2024 following a successful senior season.

She forewent offers from the Oregon Ducks, the Iowa State Cyclones and the Arizona Wildcats to commit to the Louisville Cardinals to pursue her college basketball career.

Izela Arenas, a four-star prospect, is part of the Cardinals' strong 2024 signing class, which also features three five-star prospects. One of them is her teammate at Sierra High, Mackenly Randolph, with the other two being talented guards Imani Berry and Tajianna Avant-Roberts.

Izela will begin her maiden season in college basketball on Nov. 4, when the Cardinals travel to Paris to take on the UCLA Bruins.