“It makes you feel better”: Alijah Arenas’ mom Laura Govan encourages fans to work out after taking a break for a year

While many associate Alijah Arenas with his father Gilbert’s athletic heritage, not much is known about his mom Laura Govan’s sporty side. In a short video posted on her Instagram story, Govan discussed the advantages of working out. She also revealed how she had to take a break from working out for about a year and a half before returning:

“If you're not working out man, I don't know what to tell you. I didn't work out for like a year and a half cos of my knee. But it makes you just feel better. I feel better. I look better. My skin is better.”

Alijah Arenas' mom Laura Govan's Instagram story

Aside from being the former girlfriend of former NBA player Gilbert Arenas (with whom she has four kids), Laura Govan is a TV personality. She has starred in "Basketball Wives LA," "Almost Amazing," and "JC Tha Barber."

She and Gilbert were in a relationship from 2002 until 2014. The pair met when Gilbert was playing for the Golden State Warriors and Govan worked in the Sacramento Kings' public relations department.

Alijah Arenas is not the only child of Gilbert Arenas and Laura Govan playing basketball

Alijah Arenas is not the only of Laura Govan and Gilbert Arenas’ children playing basketball. His sister, Izela Arenas, is a freshman guard for the Louisville Cardinals.

She enrolled at Louisville after playing high school basketball at Sierra Canyon and won a CIF Open Division championship and a CIF State Open champion while at Sierra Canyon. She also won an ESPN national championship and four league championships.

On his part, Alijah is On3's No. 1 shooting guard in the 2026 class. The five-star shooting guard represents Chatsworth Senior High School in Chatsworth, California. The younger Arenas has been offered a scholarship by 17 colleges per 247Sports. The schools include Kansas, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Washington, UCLA, Texas, California and Alabama.

Alijah Arenas has laid a solid foundation for a reputation based on quality. He averaged 33 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game in his sophomore season. This top performance has been attributed to his immense talent as well as hard work. Paul George recently praised his hard work and dedication, saying he probably works out harder than some NBA players.