Reflecting on Her Enduring Reality TV Journey: A Sneak Peek into Season 11 of ‘Basketball Wives’ with Evelyn Lozada
Reality TV star Evelyn Lozada reflects on her extensive career and shares insights on the upcoming 11th season of 'Basketball Wives' in an exclusive interview with Us
Evelyn Lozada rose to fame as the face of the Basketball Wives franchise in 2010, where she famously introduced the phrase "non-mothaf–kin' factor." However, little did she realize the magnitude of what she was getting into at the time.
In an exclusive interview with Us, the 47-year-old Lozada reveals how she initially made the decision to share her life with viewers. She explains, "When Shaunie [Henderson, née O'Neal], the creator of the show, approached me with the idea, I was actually the first person she called. I didn't have much knowledge about reality TV, but I owned a shoe store at the time and thought, 'Oh, this will be great for my store.'" Little did she know that this decision would completely consume her life.
After a run of nine seasons, Lozada made the decision to take a break from Basketball Wives in 2021. "Reality TV can consume a lot of energy, and I just needed some time to center myself," states the mother of two. Lozada, who has a daughter named Shaniece, 30, with Jamal Hairston and a son named Carl Jr., 9, with her former partner Carl Crawford, used her time away to prioritize her family and business ventures.
Courtesy of ShoeDazzle
The TV personality also sought love on Queens Court, a VH1 series different from the one she mentioned earlier. She appeared on the show with Tamar Braxton and Nivea. Despite forming a romantic connection with contestant Lavon Lewis, she recently revealed to Us that they decided to end their engagement.
Lozada decided to make a comeback for season 11 of Basketball Wives after taking a break from the spotlight. Returning to the show was challenging at first, but she quickly realized she was back in the thick of things.
One of the advantages of coming back to the series was the opportunity to reconnect with her previous co-stars, including Jackie Christie, Brooke Bailey, and Jennifer Williams.
Making amends with Williams - a longtime friend who Lozada previously had a feud with - was a significant moment for the Living Lozada alum. "I didn't want to come onto the show arguing anymore, so we had an excellent conversation before filming," she shares. Clearly, this season, viewers will witness how the pair addresses their issues. "There was a lot of hurt and pain there [but] I'm delighted that our friendship is back."
Courtesy of ShoeDazzle
Lozada describes season 11 of Basketball Wives as unforgettable. Each week, she found herself captivated by the unexpected turn of events. She couldn't believe some of the things that happened, and a highly anticipated cast trip brought even more excitement. Despite the constant drama among Lozada and her fellow castmates, she emphasizes that they all have a strong bond and support each other.
Courtesy of ShoeDazzle
After being on television for over ten years, Lozada reflects on a moment from Basketball Wives that she regrets: during season 4, she threw a bottle at Kenya Bell. "I now realize the potential harm I could have caused," she admits. However, one moment she takes immense pride in is the event they organized for the Domestic Violence Foundation this season. Lozada explains, "When I participate in activities connected to my foundation, it truly nourishes my spirit, and there is always something to learn from it."
Despite the various dramatic moments that have occurred during her tenure on television, Lozada expresses gratitude for every single moment. "It hasn't always been filled with positivity, but overall, it has been a valuable experience," she affirms. "One must learn to become wiser and extract the maximum benefit from the chaos."
Catch Basketball Wives on VH1 every Monday at 9 p.m. ET.
