Last Updated on October 6, 2026 by Orlando Bloom
LJ Cryer comes from a deeply athletic family that helped shape his path from a basketball-loving child in Texas to professional basketball. Born Lionel Cryer Jr. on October 9, 2001, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Cryer was raised by parents who were both college athletes and encouraged his competitive ambitions from an early age.
While LJ chose basketball, football has particularly strong roots in the Cryer family. His father, Lionel Cryer Sr., played linebacker at Grambling State, while his younger brother, Justin Cryer, followed the same football path and became a linebacker at Florida State. LJ’s mother, Tamica Cryer, was also a collegiate athlete, playing volleyball at Grambling State. Away from his immediate family, Cryer has generally kept his romantic life private, although former Baylor women’s basketball standout Jordan Lewis has publicly been identified as his girlfriend.
Who Is LJ Cryer’s Girlfriend?
Jordan Lewis is the woman most credibly linked romantically to LJ Cryer. Lewis is a former college basketball standout who played at Alabama before finishing her collegiate career at Baylor.
The relationship attracted greater public attention in 2025 when Town & Country identified Lewis as Cryer’s girlfriend and published comments from her discussing his personality and work ethic. Around the same period, Houston assistant coach Quannas White also referred to Cryer coming into the gym with his girlfriend Jordan while discussing the guard’s commitment to improving his game.
The couple’s connection makes sense within basketball circles. Cryer played for Baylor from 2020 to 2023, while Lewis joined Baylor for the 2021-22 women’s basketball season after previously playing at Alabama.
Lewis enjoyed an accomplished playing career. She earned All-Big 12 First Team honors and was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Year at Baylor before being selected by the Connecticut Sun with the 24th overall pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft. She subsequently moved into basketball operations, including a role with UT Arlington women’s basketball.
However, Cryer does not regularly publicize his relationship on social media. As of now, there has been no widely reported announcement of an engagement or marriage. The most substantial public reporting identifying Lewis as his girlfriend dates from 2025, and the couple appears to prefer keeping their relationship largely private.
Does LJ Cryer Have Children?
There is no reliable public information indicating that LJ Cryer has children.
Neither his official basketball biographies nor reputable profiles of his family have identified him as a father. Cryer also has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter.
Therefore, as of now, there are no publicly confirmed children associated with LJ Cryer.
Who Are LJ Cryer’s Parents?
LJ Cryer is the son of Lionel Cryer Sr. and Tamica Cryer. Both of his parents were accomplished college athletes at Grambling State University, giving LJ an unusually strong sporting foundation during his childhood.
Cryer has openly credited his parents with sacrificing significant amounts of time and energy to develop his basketball talent. His mother drove him to gyms and allowed him to practice dribbling around their home, while his father regularly rebounded for him before and after school.
Their influence extended beyond sports. Cryer has described the work ethic and discipline he learned from his parents as important factors in his development into an elite basketball player.
LJ Cryer’s Father: Lionel Cryer Sr.
Lionel Cryer Sr. is LJ Cryer’s father and one of the biggest sporting influences in his life.
Lionel attended Grambling State University, where he played college football as a linebacker. He later entered coaching and became involved with the football program at Royal High School in Brookshire, Texas, serving in coaching roles that have included defensive coordinator.
Although Lionel came from a football background, he supported his older son’s decision to concentrate on basketball. LJ actually played football when he was younger, including quarterback and safety, but his fascination with basketball eventually became impossible to ignore.
Lionel helped nurture that passion. Cryer has recalled his father rebounding for him during workouts both before and after school. His father’s demanding approach also helped establish the confidence that became one of LJ’s defining characteristics.
Cryer told NBC Sports Bay Area that his father taught him from childhood not merely to think of himself as “good” but to believe he could become great. That mentality followed him through Morton Ranch High School, Baylor, Houston and eventually professional basketball.
LJ Cryer’s Mother: Tamica Cryer
Tamica Cryer is LJ Cryer’s mother. Like her husband, she has an athletic background and attended Grambling State University.
Tamica played volleyball at Grambling and later earned a degree in political science. Profiles of the family have also reported that she continued her education at Louisiana State University and established a professional career outside sports.
Her role in LJ’s basketball development was particularly important during his childhood. Tamica recalled that her son was constantly carrying and dribbling a basketball, including inside the family’s home.
Rather than stopping him, she allowed his obsession with the sport to develop. She frequently drove him to gyms before he was old enough to drive himself and supported his increasingly demanding training schedule.
That encouragement eventually paid off. Cryer became one of the most prolific scorers in Houston-area high-school basketball history before beginning his college career at Baylor.
LJ Cryer’s Siblings
LJ Cryer has a younger brother named Justin Cryer. The University of Houston’s official biography specifically lists Justin as LJ’s brother.
Like their parents, both brothers became high-level athletes, although they chose different sports. LJ built his career in basketball, while Justin followed their father’s path into football.
Who Is Justin Cryer?
Justin Cryer, sometimes known by the nickname “Juice,” is LJ Cryer’s younger brother and a football linebacker.
Justin attended Royal High School in Brookshire, Texas, where his father was part of the football coaching staff. He subsequently joined Florida State University’s football program.
At Florida State, Justin developed into an increasingly important member of the Seminoles’ defense. During the 2025 season, he appeared in all 12 games, made eight starts and recorded 43 tackles, according to Florida State’s official athletics biography.
He also received recognition for his work away from the field, earning All-ACC Academic Team honors.
Justin’s football career illustrates just how strong the sporting tradition is within the Cryer household. Lionel Sr. played linebacker at Grambling State, Justin became a linebacker at Florida State, and several members of the extended family have also played college football.
LJ Cryer Comes From an Athletic Family
Sports have been central to the Cryer family for generations. Lionel Cryer Sr. played college football, Tamica Cryer played college volleyball and Justin Cryer became a Division I football player.
LJ was initially exposed to football as well. He played quarterback and safety when he was younger, and his father has described football as an important sport within the wider family.
Basketball, however, quickly became LJ’s passion. His mother recalled hearing him constantly dribbling around the house, while his father regularly helped with workouts.
That dedication turned Cryer into a prolific scorer at Morton Ranch High School in Katy, Texas. He finished his high-school career with 3,488 points, which the University of Houston says was the highest total in Houston-area public-school history at the time.
He then played college basketball at Baylor, where he was part of the program’s 2021 national championship team, before transferring to Houston. After completing his college career, Cryer moved into professional basketball and eventually earned an opportunity with the Golden State Warriors organization.
How LJ Cryer’s Parents Influenced His Basketball Career
Cryer has repeatedly emphasized that his success was built on sacrifices made by his parents.
His mother devoted countless hours to taking him to gyms and practices, while his father helped with workouts and developed his competitive mentality. Neither parent attempted to force LJ into the sport they had played themselves.
Instead, they supported his preference for basketball even though football was especially prominent on his father’s side of the family.
That environment gave Cryer both athletic guidance and the freedom to establish his own identity. While Justin followed Lionel Sr. into football, LJ became the basketball player of the family.
Frequently Asked Questions About LJ Cryer’s Family
Who is LJ Cryer’s girlfriend?
Jordan Lewis, a former Alabama and Baylor women’s basketball player, was publicly identified as LJ Cryer’s girlfriend in 2025. Cryer keeps his romantic life private, so there has been little public discussion of their relationship since then.
Is LJ Cryer married?
There is no reliable public information indicating that LJ Cryer is married as of now.
Does LJ Cryer have children?
No children have been publicly confirmed for LJ Cryer as of now.
Who are LJ Cryer’s parents?
LJ Cryer’s parents are Lionel Cryer Sr. and Tamica Cryer. Both competed in college sports at Grambling State University.
What sport did LJ Cryer’s father play?
Lionel Cryer Sr. played football as a linebacker at Grambling State before becoming a football coach.
What sport did LJ Cryer’s mother play?
Tamica Cryer played college volleyball at Grambling State University.
Does LJ Cryer have a brother?
Yes. LJ Cryer’s younger brother is Justin Cryer, a linebacker who played college football at Florida State.
Is Justin Cryer related to LJ Cryer?
Yes. Justin Cryer is LJ Cryer’s younger brother. Their parents are Lionel Cryer Sr. and Tamica Cryer.
What is LJ Cryer’s real name?
LJ Cryer’s full name is Lionel Cryer Jr. He is commonly known professionally as LJ Cryer.
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.
