Last Updated on October 9, 2026 by Orlando Bloom
Dereck Lively II is an American professional basketball player who plays for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. Born on February 12, 2004, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, his full name is Dereck Jerome Lively II. Known for his shot-blocking ability, rebounding and defensive presence, the talented center became one of the NBA’s promising young players after being selected in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft. Beyond his basketball achievements, fans are interested in Dereck Lively II’s family, particularly his girlfriend, children, parents and siblings.
Lively’s family story includes both personal tragedy and important milestones. His father, Dereck Lively Sr., died in January 2012, while his mother, Katherine “Kathy” Drysdale, a former Penn State basketball player, died from cancer in April 2024. He grew up as an only child and developed a particularly close relationship with his mother. In his personal life, Lively is in a publicly reported relationship with Elise Mimms, with whom he shares a daughter named Klover Lively, born in September 2024.
Dereck Lively II’s Girlfriend: Meet Elise Mimms
Dereck Lively II’s publicly reported girlfriend is Elise Mimms, who is also the mother of his daughter, Klover Lively.
Unlike many partners of professional basketball players, Mimms has maintained a relatively private life outside the public attention surrounding the Dallas Mavericks center.
Her relationship with Lively became more widely known in September 2025, when the NBA player publicly introduced their daughter through social media.
According to reporting published by sports journalist Grant Afseth on September 23, 2025, Lively shared photographs celebrating Klover’s first birthday.
One photograph showed the basketball player holding his daughter and kissing her forehead while Mimms appeared alongside them.
The post attracted attention from basketball supporters because Lively had previously shared very little information about his romantic life or fatherhood.
His teammates and former Dallas players also showed support for the family milestone through social media interactions.
Although Elise has been identified as Lively’s girlfriend, relatively little verified information is available about her background.
Her exact date of birth, educational history and professional occupation have not been established through reliable public reporting.
She has also avoided extensive interviews about her relationship with the NBA player.
As a result, most of the publicly confirmed information concerning their relationship relates to their daughter and their appearances together.
How Did Dereck Lively II and Elise Mimms Meet?
The exact circumstances surrounding Dereck Lively II and Elise Mimms’ first meeting have not been publicly disclosed.
Neither has provided a widely verified interview explaining where they met or when their romantic relationship began.
During Lively’s college basketball career at Duke University, he generally maintained privacy regarding his dating life.
After entering the NBA in 2023, he continued focusing his public appearances on basketball, his family and his relationship with his mother.
His daughter Klover was born in September 2024, but the couple initially chose not to publicize their family life extensively.
They attracted broader attention in September 2025 after Lively shared photographs celebrating their daughter’s first birthday.
On September 28, 2026, NDTV Sports published additional reporting identifying Mimms as Lively’s longtime girlfriend and describing their preference for keeping their relationship away from the spotlight.
Although the couple have been publicly identified as partners, they have not revealed the complete timeline of their relationship.
As of now, Elise Mimms is Dereck Lively II’s most recently reported girlfriend and the mother of his daughter.
Is Dereck Lively II Married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Dereck Lively II is married.
Although he has a daughter with Elise Mimms, the couple have not publicly announced an engagement or wedding through verified reporting.
Consequently, Mimms should be described as his girlfriend or partner rather than his wife.
As of now, Dereck Lively II has no publicly confirmed wife.
Dereck Lively II’s Children: Meet His Daughter Klover Lively
Dereck Lively II has one publicly confirmed child, a daughter named Klover Lively, whom he shares with his girlfriend, Elise Mimms.
Klover was born in September 2024, during the early stages of her father’s professional basketball career.
Although Lively initially maintained privacy regarding fatherhood, he began publicly discussing his daughter in 2025.
Klover Lively – Dereck Lively II’s Daughter
Klover Lively was born in September 2024 and celebrated her first birthday on September 23, 2025.
Her father publicly introduced her through photographs shared on his social media accounts.
According to reporting by Grant Afseth, the birthday post included a photograph of Lively holding Klover and kissing her forehead.
Elise Mimms was also present in the photographs, giving fans one of their first public glimpses of the couple’s family life.
Lively accompanied the birthday photographs with a short message expressing his love for his daughter and gratitude for having her in his life.
The announcement was particularly meaningful because he had experienced the deaths of both parents before becoming a father.
His father died when he was seven years old, while his mother passed away in April 2024, several months before Klover’s birth.
Fatherhood subsequently became an increasingly important part of Lively’s personal identity.
During a November 14, 2025 interview published by the Dallas Mavericks, he discussed spending time with his daughter while recovering from a knee injury.
He explained that returning home and seeing Klover’s smile provided happiness and helped him cope with the frustrations of being unable to play basketball.
He described his daughter as a source of sunshine in his life.
His comments demonstrated that fatherhood had given him another meaningful responsibility outside his NBA career.
In September 2026, Lively again discussed the importance of his daughter during the Dallas Mavericks’ annual media day.
He explained that his injury rehabilitation had provided additional opportunities to spend time with her.
Although he was eager to return to basketball, he appreciated those moments because his professional responsibilities would eventually require more time away from home.
As of now, Klover Lively is two years old and remains Dereck Lively II’s only publicly confirmed child.
Dereck Lively II’s Parents: Meet His Father and Mother
Dereck Lively II’s parents were Dereck Lively Sr. and Katherine “Kathy” Phillips Drysdale.
Both parents played important roles in his early life, although he experienced their deaths at different stages of his development.
His father worked as a chef before dying in 2012, while his mother was an accomplished former college basketball player who helped guide him through high school, college and the beginning of his NBA career.
Dereck Lively II’s Father: Dereck Lively Sr.
Dereck Lively Sr. was the father of NBA player Dereck Lively II.
He was originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and worked professionally as a chef.
Although he did not have a widely documented professional basketball career, he was an important figure in his son’s early childhood.
According to reporting published by The Philadelphia Inquirer in June 2023, Lively Sr. struggled with substance addiction for several years.
His personal difficulties included periods of rehabilitation and challenges associated with drug dependency.
Despite these struggles, family members remembered him as someone who loved his son and enjoyed spending time with him.
Kathy Drysdale later explained that Dereck Sr. could be affectionate, energetic and entertaining when he was present with the family.
However, his addiction eventually led to a tragic outcome.
What Happened to Dereck Lively II’s Father?
Dereck Lively Sr. died on January 5, 2012, after suffering a drug overdose.
His son was only seven years old at the time and was approximately five weeks away from his eighth birthday.
The death left Kathy Drysdale responsible for raising their son as a single mother.
Because Dereck was still a young child, he initially struggled to understand the circumstances surrounding his father’s death.
In an interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer, Kathy explained that she tried to protect him from some of the more difficult details during his early childhood.
As he grew older and began asking questions, she became more open about his father’s struggles.
Rather than avoiding the subject completely, she wanted Dereck to understand his father’s life and the challenges he had experienced.
The loss had a lasting effect on Lively, who subsequently spoke about wanting to honor his father’s memory.
During the 2023 NBA Draft, he was asked what he believed his father would have said if he had been present to witness the achievement.
Lively expressed hope that his father would have been proud of him.
He also acknowledged the support he had received from relatives on both sides of his family.
As he established himself in the NBA, carrying his father’s name became another meaningful part of his basketball journey.
Dereck Lively II’s Mother: Katherine “Kathy” Drysdale
Dereck Lively II’s mother was Katherine Phillips Drysdale, commonly known as Kathy Drysdale, a former American college basketball player and longtime sports marketing professional.
Born in 1970, Kathy grew up in Southfield, Michigan, before attending Pennsylvania State University.
She represented the Penn State Lady Lions women’s basketball team from 1988 to 1992.
During her four-year college career, she scored 1,295 points and collected 717 rebounds, 89 blocked shots, 117 steals and 94 assists.
Her performances helped establish her among the notable players in Penn State women’s basketball history.
In 1990, she earned third-team All-Atlantic 10 recognition and was named Most Valuable Player of the Atlantic 10 Tournament.
She also received All-Tournament Team recognition in 1991.
During her college career, Penn State achieved its first No. 1 ranking in the Associated Press women’s basketball poll.
Kathy graduated from Penn State in 1992 with a degree in general arts and sciences.
Following graduation, she pursued a professional career in sports management and marketing.
Between 1993 and 2006, she worked for the Philadelphia 76ers, spending several years in game operations and event presentation.
Her responsibilities included managing in-arena entertainment, promotional activities and special events involving basketball supporters.
In 2011, Kathy returned to Penn State to work in the university’s athletics marketing department.
She eventually served as Director of Marketing and Fan Experience, supporting several of the university’s sports programs.
Her professional background allowed her to remain connected to basketball and collegiate athletics throughout much of her life.
How Kathy Drysdale Influenced Her Son’s Basketball Career
Kathy Drysdale played an essential role in helping Dereck Lively II develop into a professional basketball player.
After her husband’s death in 2012, she raised Dereck as an only child while maintaining her professional responsibilities.
The family lived in Pennsylvania, where Lively began developing his basketball skills.
Because Kathy had competed at the NCAA Division I level, she understood the technical and physical demands of the sport.
She encouraged her son to work consistently, develop good habits and approach basketball with determination.
Although he enjoyed basketball during childhood, Lively initially participated in other sports, including football and swimming.
As he grew taller, he began taking basketball more seriously and eventually joined competitive youth programs.
His mother attended games, supported his training schedule and helped him evaluate important educational decisions.
When Lively transferred to Westtown School in West Chester, Pennsylvania, she continued supporting his development despite the demands of her own career.
At Westtown, he established himself as one of the leading high school basketball prospects in the United States.
His performances eventually attracted scholarship offers from major NCAA programs.
In September 2021, Lively committed to Duke University, choosing the Blue Devils over other prominent programs.
Kathy supported his decision and remained involved throughout his college basketball journey.
Her presence was particularly meaningful during the 2023 NBA Draft, when her son was selected with the 12th overall pick.
The achievement represented the fulfillment of a goal they had worked toward together for many years.
Kathy Drysdale’s Battle With Cancer
Kathy Drysdale faced a lengthy battle with Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of cancer affecting the lymphatic system.
She was diagnosed in 2013, approximately one year after the death of Dereck Lively II’s father.
At the time, Lively was only nine years old.
Her diagnosis created another major challenge for the family, which was already coping with the loss of his father.
Over the following years, Kathy underwent treatment while continuing to support her son’s development and maintain her professional responsibilities.
During a June 2023 introductory press conference with the Dallas Mavericks, Lively discussed the challenges he had witnessed throughout his mother’s illness.
He recalled seeing days when she struggled with basic activities because of the effects of treatment.
Despite those difficulties, she continued encouraging him to pursue his basketball ambitions.
Her perseverance became one of the qualities he admired most.
Lively also explained that reaching the NBA gave him an opportunity to improve his mother’s quality of life and repay some of the sacrifices she had made.
However, Kathy’s condition eventually deteriorated.
When Did Dereck Lively II’s Mother Die?
Kathy Drysdale died on April 12, 2024, at the age of 53, following her battle with cancer.
Her death occurred during Lively’s rookie NBA season, shortly before the Dallas Mavericks began their 2024 playoff campaign.
Penn State University officially announced her passing on April 13, 2024, recognizing her achievements as a former basketball player and longtime athletics employee.
The university paid tribute to her contributions to the women’s basketball program and the broader Penn State community.
Lively also publicly acknowledged the loss, expressing gratitude for his mother’s love and guidance.
Her death was particularly difficult because she had been his primary caregiver and most consistent source of support following his father’s passing.
Despite the emotional challenges, Lively returned to basketball and helped Dallas during its playoff run.
In an April 22, 2024 interview with Mavericks reporters, he explained that being around his teammates provided an important sense of family and emotional support.
The Mavericks eventually reached the 2024 NBA Finals, giving Lively an opportunity to compete on basketball’s biggest professional stage during a personally difficult year.
His mother’s legacy remains an important part of his story, reflecting the sacrifices that helped him reach the NBA.
Dereck Lively II’s Siblings: Does He Have a Brother or Sister?
Dereck Lively II is the only publicly documented child of Dereck Lively Sr. and Katherine Drysdale.
Unlike many NBA players who grow up alongside brothers or sisters involved in basketball, Lively was raised as an only child.
His family background was discussed in a June 2021 feature published by City of Basketball Love, which identified him as the couple’s only child.
The report examined his early basketball development, his mother’s college career and the family’s experiences following his father’s death.
Although Lively has strong relationships with extended family members, there is no reliable public reporting identifying biological brothers or sisters.
There is also no verified information establishing that he has paternal or maternal half-siblings.
As a result, his closest documented childhood family relationship was with his mother.
After his father’s death, Kathy raised him while working in college athletics and supporting his basketball development.
She accompanied him through important stages of his education and remained involved as he progressed toward the NBA.
In interviews, Lively has also described the importance of teammates and coaches who provided support during difficult periods.
Following his mother’s death, he publicly referred to his Dallas teammates as family, reflecting the close relationships he had developed within the organization.
However, those relationships do not indicate that he has biological siblings.
As of now, Dereck Lively II has no publicly documented brothers or sisters.
How Dereck Lively II’s Family Influenced His NBA Career
Dereck Lively II’s family played an important role in his development from a young basketball player in Pennsylvania to a professional NBA center.
His mother’s background as a successful college basketball player gave him access to experienced guidance from an early age.
She understood the importance of practice, discipline and maintaining confidence during difficult periods.
After his father’s death, Kathy became the central figure in his upbringing.
Her dedication helped him remain focused on education and basketball despite the emotional and financial responsibilities facing their household.
Lively eventually attended Westtown School, where he emerged as one of the country’s leading high school centers.
During his senior season in 2021–22, he averaged approximately 14 points, 14 rebounds and 4.5 blocked shots per game.
His performances helped Westtown win the Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association state championship.
He also earned McDonald’s All-American recognition and was named Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year.
In September 2021, Lively committed to Duke University and joined the Blue Devils for the 2022–23 season.
During his freshman campaign, he averaged 5.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game.
His defensive performances helped Duke win the 2023 ACC Tournament championship.
He earned ACC All-Defensive Team and ACC All-Freshman Team recognition before declaring for the NBA Draft.
On June 22, 2023, he was selected with the 12th overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder before his draft rights were traded to the Dallas Mavericks.
His mother attended the draft and celebrated the achievement alongside him.
Lively began his NBA career with Dallas during the 2023–24 season and quickly established himself as an important defensive presence.
He averaged 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game during his rookie season, earning NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors.
His contributions helped the Mavericks reach the 2024 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics.
The achievement was especially meaningful because it occurred shortly after his mother’s death.
During the following season, he continued developing as a rebounder, shot blocker and interior defender.
He averaged 8.7 points and 7.5 rebounds during the 2024–25 NBA season.
However, injuries limited his playing opportunities during the 2025–26 campaign.
He underwent surgery on his right foot in December 2025, bringing his season to an early end.
During his recovery, Lively spent additional time with his daughter Klover and focused on his rehabilitation.
At the Mavericks’ September 2026 media day, he explained that fatherhood had become an important part of his life and that spending time with his daughter helped him maintain perspective away from basketball.
His experiences demonstrate how family relationships have continued shaping his personal priorities throughout his professional career.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dereck Lively II’s Family
Who is Dereck Lively II’s girlfriend?
Dereck Lively II’s publicly reported girlfriend is Elise Mimms. She is also the mother of his daughter, Klover Lively. Their relationship became widely known after he shared family photographs in September 2025.
Is Dereck Lively II married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Dereck Lively II is married. Elise Mimms has been identified as his girlfriend and partner, but the couple have not publicly announced a wedding.
Does Dereck Lively II have children?
Yes. Dereck Lively II has one publicly confirmed child, a daughter named Klover Lively, born in September 2024.
Who is Dereck Lively II’s daughter’s mother?
Klover Lively’s mother is Elise Mimms, who has been publicly identified as the NBA player’s girlfriend.
How old is Dereck Lively II’s daughter?
Klover Lively turned two years old in September 2026.
Who are Dereck Lively II’s parents?
His parents were Dereck Lively Sr., who worked as a chef, and Katherine “Kathy” Drysdale, a former Penn State women’s basketball player and athletics marketing professional.
Who is Dereck Lively II’s father?
His father was Dereck Lively Sr., a Philadelphia native who worked as a chef. He died from a drug overdose on January 5, 2012.
What happened to Dereck Lively II’s father?
Dereck Lively Sr. struggled with substance addiction and died from an overdose in January 2012, when his son was seven years old.
Who is Dereck Lively II’s mother?
His mother was Katherine “Kathy” Phillips Drysdale, a former Penn State basketball player who scored 1,295 points during her college career from 1988 to 1992.
What happened to Dereck Lively II’s mother?
Kathy Drysdale died on April 12, 2024, at the age of 53, following a lengthy battle with Hodgkin lymphoma that began in 2013.
Is Dereck Lively II’s mother still alive?
No. Kathy Drysdale died in April 2024, shortly before the Dallas Mavericks began their 2024 NBA playoff campaign.
Does Dereck Lively II have any siblings?
Dereck Lively II is an only child according to reliable reporting about his family. He has no publicly documented biological brothers or sisters.
Does Dereck Lively II have a brother?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Dereck Lively II has a brother. He is identified as the only child of Dereck Lively Sr. and Kathy Drysdale.
Does Dereck Lively II have a sister?
There is no publicly documented evidence that Dereck Lively II has a sister.
Where is Dereck Lively II from?
Dereck Lively II was born on February 12, 2004, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He grew up in Pennsylvania and attended Westtown School before playing college basketball at Duke University.
How old is Dereck Lively II?
Dereck Lively II was born on February 12, 2004, making him 22 years old as of October 2026.
Which NBA team does Dereck Lively II play for?
Dereck Lively II plays for the Dallas Mavericks. He joined the franchise through the 2023 NBA Draft and remains under contract for the 2026–27 season.
Orlando Bloom is a sports journalist and analyst specializing in in-depth NBA coverage, tactical breakdowns, and advanced player analytics. With a passion for professional basketball, he covers everything from trade deadline maneuvers and Draft prospects to team strategies and league-wide trends. Combining detailed stat analysis with game context, Orlando delivers sharp insights and compelling stories for avid basketball fans and casual followers alike.
