Candace Parker doesn’t just play the game. She literally changed the blueprint for what motherhood looks like in professional sports. If you’ve followed her career from Tennessee to the WNBA rafters, you know she didn't just win three championships—she did it while essentially raising a family on the baseline.
Today, the "Starting Lineup" is officially full.
There’s a lot of chatter online about Candace Parker kids, mostly because she’s always been so open about how they are her "why." But keeping up with the ages and the names can be a bit of a juggle. As of 2026, the Parker-Petrakova household is a busy mix of a teenager and two high-energy toddlers.
The OG: Lailaa Nicole Williams
Lailaa is basically WNBA royalty at this point. Born on May 13, 2009, she is now 16 years old.
Think back to those early images of Candace. She was the reigning MVP and Rookie of the Year when she announced she was pregnant. People—critics, mostly—honestly thought it would derail her career. Instead, Lailaa became the ultimate road warrior. She traveled across the ocean to Russia and Turkey while Candace played overseas. She was there in the locker room for the 2016 Sparks championship.
Lailaa’s dad is former NBA player Shelden Williams. While that marriage ended years ago, Candace has always been vocal about Lailaa being her partner in everything. It’s kinda wild to think Lailaa is now at the age where she’s "raiding her mom's closet," which Candace has joked about in interviews. She isn't just a "kid" anymore; she’s the veteran of the sibling group.
The New Generation: Airr and Hartt
After marrying Anna Petrakova in 2019, Candace’s family grew in a way that felt like a second chapter.
- Airr Larry Petrakov Parker: Born February 11, 2022. He’s now a 4-year-old fireball. His name, "Airr," is a pretty cool nod to the family business, and "Larry" honors Candace’s father.
- Hartt Summitt Petrakov Parker: The newest addition arrived on May 21, 2024. As of early 2026, he’s a toddler coming up on his second birthday.
The name "Hartt Summitt" is particularly emotional for anyone who knows basketball history. It’s a direct tribute to the legendary Pat Summitt, Candace’s coach at the University of Tennessee. When Hartt was born, Candace posted on Instagram that their "starting lineup is complete."
It’s a "zone defense" household now. That’s how they describe it. With two toddlers running around and a teenager navigating her own life, Candace and Anna have gone from man-to-man coverage to a full-team effort.
Raising Kids in the Public Eye
The way Candace handles her kids is actually pretty refreshing.
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She doesn’t hide them, but she also doesn't exploit them for "content." When she retired in 2024, she made it clear that her body was tired, but more importantly, she wanted to be present. She didn't want to miss the school plays or the bedtime stories.
There was this moment during her jersey retirement ceremony in Los Angeles in the summer of 2025. She stood on the court at Crypto.com Arena, surrounded by all three of them. Lailaa, tall and confident; Airr, probably trying to run onto the court; and little Hartt in someone's arms.
It was the full circle.
Honestly, the most impressive thing isn't the trophies. It’s the fact that Lailaa grew up in arenas and seems so well-adjusted. Candace has always said she wanted her daughter to see a woman who was "both." Not just a mom, and not just an athlete. Both.
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Why It Matters
People search for "Candace Parker kids" because they want to see if the "superwoman" narrative is real.
Is it? Probably not in the way we think. She’s admitted it’s messy. She’s admitted to "mom guilt" when she had to leave for road trips. But she also showed that you don't have to choose between a Hall of Fame career and a big, happy family.
Practical Takeaways for Fans
If you're following the Parker family journey, keep an eye on these milestones:
- The 2026 Hall of Fame Induction: Expect to see the whole crew in Springfield as Candace takes her rightful place among the greats.
- Lailaa’s Future: At 16, she’s entering that "what’s next" phase. Whether she follows the basketball path or carves her own, she’s been mentored by the best.
- The "Starting 5" Brand: Candace is moving heavily into ownership and production. Her kids are a huge part of her motivation to build a legacy that lasts longer than a 40-minute game.
The Parker family represents a shift in sports culture. It's a blended, multi-cultural, high-achieving household that happens to have one of the greatest players of all time at the head of the table.
To stay updated on the latest milestones for Lailaa, Airr, and Hartt, you can follow Candace’s official social media channels, where she occasionally shares "life after the W" updates. If you're looking for more details on her retirement transition, checking out her recent "Unapologetic" documentary provides the best behind-the-scenes look at her life as a mother of three.