Maralee Nichols Dotes On Son, Follows In Tristan Thompson's Steps

Maralee Nichols continues to update fans about her son's growth despite Tristan Thompson's alleged absence in his life, and it seems the little one is growing to be like his dad.

The fitness instructor became infamous for welcoming a child with the Canadian-American basketball player. The duo's relationship received backlash as it occurred during the NBA star's romance with Khloé Kardashian.

Although their union may not have been the holiest, the yoga enthusiast considers her son, Theo Thompson, a blessing. While the famous athlete barely recognizes the little angel's existence on his social media updates, the proud mother of one flaunts her love for all to see.

In a recent Instagram Story update, the media personality documented her day out with her precious son. The mother and child enjoyed the sunny weather at a park, with Theo showing off his athletic genes by actively participating in the children-centered games.

The toddler donned a navy blue tee and shorts of a lighter blue shade for the outing. The casual ensemble was completed with white sneakers while his baby hair curled on his adorable head in tiny waves. Nichols was absent from the posts, allowing her followers to enjoy her son's cuteness.

In the clip, Theo babbled delightfully as he played on a wooden structure with an attached slide. The boy lay on his stomach, holding on to a stick as he slowly worked his way down; however, the footage ended before viewers could watch the child glide down the surface.

The following slide showed Thompson's mini-me following in the Los Angeles Lakers player's footsteps. The toddler was seen posing on a basketball court with one hand like shooting an invisible ball.

Nichols captioned this sweet moment with a sun emoji, perhaps noting that her son was as radiant as the weather. Theo's possible interest in basketball might stem from the boy's parentage or the need to connect with his estranged father. However, the little boy is too young to realize Tristan's absence.

Months before the fitness instructor shared her cute update, the mother and her son faced a barrage of comments on social media over the Canadian-American athlete's AWOL nature. In April, the self-proclaimed fitness enthusiast shared snaps from her beach date with Theo on Instagram.

The post captured the toddler enjoying his time on the sand while watching the waves crash against the shore. Despite the beautiful moments depicted in the social media update, fans took to the comment section to lament Theo's absent father.

Many sympathized with the little boy, noting that he did not deserve to be treated poorly by the former Cleveland Cavaliers player. "It is so heartbreaking how Tristan treats this beautiful baby," someone emphasized in the comments.

"Poor baby boy, missing fatherly love," another sympathizer cried, while a third chimed: "I hope this little guy gets to know his other siblings!! None of them should lose out because of Tristan!"

More commenters bashed the father of four for ignoring Theo for his other children, with an individual writing: "A Good Father is a Father to all of his children. The K's are hilarious when they talk about what a good father T is…what a joke."

News of the NBA star's estrangement from his son and Nichols made waves in 2022. The social media personality had taken her grievances to court, accusing her former lover of failing to pay for their son's child support while remaining absent in the boy's life.

The duo's battle had been ongoing for over a year as the yoga instructor tried to make Thompson take responsibility for their child. Last December, after a brief court appearance, the Canadian-American athlete was ordered to pay a monthly fee of $9,500 for child support.

The Wayman Tisdale Award honoree also had to foot Nichols's legal fees. Although the outcome marked a win for the influencer, Thompson's attorney claimed the 32-year-old willingly contributed to his son's welfare despite his ex-lover's claims.

In the basketball player's legal representative's statement, his client had cooperated with the mother of his child's demands and was "paying, and has paid, child support to Ms. Nichols retroactive to the date she delivered the child."