The NBA Romance: 5 Shocking Details About Who Liv Walker From Love Island Is Dating Now

The burning question on every *Love Island USA* fan's mind has finally been answered: who is Liv Walker dating after her time in the villa? As of December 2025, the reality star has confirmed she is in a serious, happy relationship with a high-profile athlete, putting an end to months of speculation. She has been very private about the identity of her new man, but compelling evidence and her own hints have all but revealed the shocking details of her new romance with a major player in the world of professional basketball. The former Islander, known as the "Australian Barbie," has moved on from the drama of Season 6 and into a relationship that has captured the attention of both reality TV and sports fans alike. While she initially kept the name under wraps, recent confirmations point directly to a star player from the Los Angeles Lakers, making this one of the most unexpected celebrity pairings of the year.

Liv Walker: The Australian Barbie's Complete Profile

Olivia "Liv" Walker quickly became a fan favorite on *Love Island USA* Season 6, which aired in 2024. Known for her infectious personality, strong friendships, and striking looks, she made a memorable impact despite a relatively short stay in the villa.

• Full Name: Olivia Walker
• Nickname: Liv
• Age (During Show): 21 years old
• Hometown/Origin: Sydney, Australia
• Occupation: Student (with a background in psychology)
• Reality TV Debut: *Love Island USA* Season 6 (2024)
• Time in Villa: Entered as a bombshell on Day 2; Dumped on Day 24
• Post-Show Appearances: *Love Island: Beyond the Villa*
• Key Relationships on Show: She was briefly coupled up with a few Islanders, but did not find lasting romance in the villa.
• Signature Persona: Dubbed the "Australian Barbie" by fans and the show.

Liv's journey on the show ended without finding "the one," but her post-villa life has proven to be far more successful in the romance department. Her appearance on the spin-off show, *Love Island: Beyond the Villa*, is where she first teased her new, high-profile relationship.

The Shocking Identity of Liv Walker's NBA Boyfriend

The biggest reveal came during her post-show interviews, where Liv Walker confirmed she was no longer single and was "really happy." The mystery surrounding her new partner began to unravel when she confirmed he was an athlete.

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The speculation reached a fever pitch when Liv confirmed she was dating a player for the Los Angeles Lakers. While she has maintained a level of privacy for her partner, fans and media outlets have strongly identified the man as Dalton Knecht.

Is Liv Walker Dating Dalton Knecht?

The evidence strongly suggests that Liv Walker is in a relationship with NBA rookie Dalton Knecht. Knecht was the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and is a rising star for the Los Angeles Lakers. This connection perfectly aligns with Liv's own hints about dating a Lakers player and an athlete.

Liv has expressed a desire to keep her new relationship out of the relentless public spotlight that comes with reality TV, especially to protect her partner, who did not sign up for that level of scrutiny. However, she has confirmed that the relationship is serious and that they are both "living our best life."

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The Love Island to NBA Pipeline: Why This Romance Is So Unique

The pairing of a reality TV star and a professional athlete is not entirely new, but the rapid progression and high-profile nature of this romance have made it a major talking point. This relationship highlights several key trends in celebrity dating and post-reality TV life.

1. The Privacy Factor

Unlike the relationships forged in the *Love Island* villa, which are broadcast to millions, Liv has chosen a deliberate path of privacy. She mentioned that she would never expect her partner to put his life "out there" the way she did. This approach suggests a desire for a more authentic and protected relationship away from the pressures of public opinion and social media commentary.

2. The Athlete Entity Connection

Liv Walker's confirmation of dating an athlete—specifically a professional basketball player—adds her to a growing list of reality stars who have found love in the sports world. This cross-industry pairing often generates significant media buzz, drawing two different fan bases: the dedicated followers of *Love Island USA* and the massive audience of the NBA and the Los Angeles Lakers.

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3. Post-Villa Success Story

For many Islanders, the true test of love comes after the show. Liv's successful relationship with a high-caliber individual like Dalton Knecht (or the confirmed Lakers player) is a narrative of post-show triumph. It proves that despite failing to find a lasting connection on the island, a happy and stable romance was waiting for her in the real world.

The relationship is currently thriving, with Liv noting that "everything's going well" and that her new man is "such a great guy." This positive update is a welcome change for fans who followed her journey on *Love Island USA* Season 6 and were rooting for her to find happiness.

What's Next for Liv Walker and Her Mystery Man?

While Liv Walker has been careful to shield her boyfriend from the intense scrutiny of reality TV fame, the public's curiosity remains high. The entity of Dalton Knecht continues to be the primary focus of speculation, given his status as a 2024 draft pick and a key player for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Fans are eagerly awaiting a full, official reveal, but for now, Liv is enjoying her private happiness. Her background in psychology may even contribute to her ability to navigate the complexities of a high-profile relationship while maintaining boundaries. She has successfully transitioned from being the "Australian Barbie" of *Love Island* to the supportive partner of a major NBA star, proving that the best connections often happen when the cameras stop rolling.

This romance serves as a fresh, modern update to the *Love Island* narrative, demonstrating that the search for love doesn't end when the island dumping is over. Liv Walker is happy, in love, and has secured a relationship far more exclusive than any coupling on the show.