When influential people, like celebrities and professional athletes, break up or split up, it’s often messy, noisy, and both sides often with a mission to prove themselves to stand on the higher ground. Lonzo Ball’s former partner, Denise Garcia, has opened up about her personal life in a rare, emotional admission. Speaking candidly on a recent podcast, Garcia reflected on life after her breakup with the Chicago Bulls guard and what it has meant for her and their daughter, Zoey.
“She’s never met anybody. I am so picky with who I choose to date,” Garcia revealed at the 20:04 mark. “I have really been focused on mine and Zoey’s world to this point. I want to be the best Denise. I lost myself so much in that, trying to be the best partner when it was like I need to look inwards and focus on who I am, what makes me happy. … I’ve yet to introduce a partner to Zoey. I’m like, my guy might be a unicorn.”
Garcia’s words highlight how much her priorities have shifted since her time with Lonzo Ball. Instead of rushing into new relationships, she’s centered her energy on her daughter and her own growth.
The comments also shed light on how Garcia views the balance between motherhood and dating. For her, protecting Zoey’s space is more important than appearances or outside pressure. Lonzo Ball’s name will always be attached to her story, but Garcia made it clear she’s writing her next chapter on her own terms.
Denise Garcia Pushes Back On ‘Gold Digger’ Tag After Lonzo Ball Relationship
Denise Garcia also addressed one of the toughest labels she has faced since her relationship with Lonzo Ball — the “gold digger” tag.
“I feel like ever since my ex (Lonzo Ball) and I were together, he posted me, and it was like, ‘Oh, you’re a gold digger,’” Garcia said at the 2:50 mark. “This was even before we brought Zoey into the world. So, I guess people just think that you’re kind of out there for what players can offer you financially.”
Her statement pushed back on long-running assumptions, showing how quickly public opinion can define someone attached to a famous athlete. Garcia made it clear that her identity isn’t just tied to her ex’s career or wealth.
For Garcia, the focus remains on family and authenticity. By speaking openly, she gave her side of a story that has often been written for her. Even with Lonzo Ball’s name still tied to hers, Garcia is intent on standing apart and showing that her choices come from her own values.
For more basketball content, click on Hardwood Heroics. Sabel Reyes can be reached through sabelreyes22@gmail.com. Other websites under the Sports Heroics umbrella are Gridiron Heroics and Wisconsin Heroics.
Sabel has been working as a field reporter for People’s Television Network (PTV), mainly about the Philippine Basketball Association since 2016 and has been elevated to Executive Producer for sports in 2022. Aside from being on top of the Philippine sports scene, she is also a running enthusiast. You can also follow her on X at @SabelReyes2 and Instagram at @msabelreyes.
