Candace Parker celebrated a major milestone with eldest daughter, Lailaa, as the teen turned 16. The WNBA legend shared touching moments on social media in a carousel of images and video, giving fans a glimpse into their special mother-daughter bond.

The 39-year-old began her post, “Happy 16th birthday Lailaa Nicole! There’s before and after May 13th 2009. You changed my world.”

“You made me a Mommy and I’m grateful for your patience, kindness, love, grace, and Dopeness as we fumbled through life together. From your first breath until now I know without a shadow of a doubt I would die for you, but you have made me want to live FOR YOU! You are rocking volleyball, a loved big sister, a foodie and you are starting to actually be funny , but I love traveling the world with you, you are the only one that can get me to do TikTok’s, I love our Mommy and me days, lunch dates, and our lazy Sundays where we just snuggle and watch reruns of full house and sister sister.”

Parker concluded her loving tribute to her daughter by saying that she cannot believe that Lailaa is 16.

“I can’t believe you are 16, but then again I can because I can’t remember life before you. A whole world of emotions are swirling, but I keep telling myself that despite being bittersweet you are growing up, I’m so proud of you and look forward to a different connection. I love you to the moon and back and we have ALWAYS and will ALWAYS be a team!”

In addition to her eldest daughter, with whom she shares with ex-husband, Sheldon Williams, Parker is also mother to two additional children: sons, Airr Larry Petrakov Parker, born February 11, 2022, and Hartt Summitt Petrakov Parker, born May 21, 2024. Parker shares her youngest children with wife, Anna Petrakova, whom she married in 2019.

Happy birthday, Lailaa!

Photo: Candace Parker Instagram