LeBron James and Savannah James have set ‘power couple’ goals, having been together for more than half of their lives and married for the past 11 years. They’ve kept their private matters under wraps, allowing them to live a happy life as partners for this long, when breakups and divorce are common issues, especially in high-profile relationships.
However, there’s a chance none of this would’ve existed beyond 2003 had LeBron’s NBA career begun elsewhere other than Cleveland. Savannah admitted that a breakup would have been on the cards if her now-husband had been drafted by another team far from her hometown of Akron.
“I don’t know what would’ve happened,” Savannah said on season 2’s episode 3 of her podcast, Everybody’s Crazy. “Thanks Cleveland Cavaliers.”
Savannah confirmed she was talking about a potential breakup when her co-host April McDaniel asked her about it. The NBA legend’s wife said they frequently talk about this topic to this date.
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It all worked out well for LeBron James and Savannah James’ relationship at the end as the former Cavalier began his career in Cleveland and got time to settle with her and start a family. They had their first child, LeBron’s newest Lakers teammate, Bronny in 2004 and their younger son Bryce, in 2007.
James was in Cleveland until 2010 before moving to Miami. He returned home in 2014 in the hopes of handing the Cavaliers their maiden title, which they eventually won in 2016.
LeBron James credits Savannah James for his on and off-court success
LeBron James is all set to enter his 22nd NBA season. He’s shown gradual signs of decline along his playing career but is still one of the very best in the game. He has done all of that while creating a business empire worth billions.
However, the Lakers star isn’t shy of giving credit to his wife Savannah James for her contributions along the way. Here’s what the Lakers superstar said after leading the USA to a gold medal win at the 2024 Paris Olympics in August (via Andscape):
“My wife takes care of the business, man. She’s the best. Without her, I wouldn’t even be in this position to be able to do what I do and love the game. I love it. So, to have my wife and my two boys and my daughter here and the rest of my family here, it was everything.”
Meanwhile, Savannah James also shed light on the importance of being his ‘support system.’
“I’m his support system with whatever he needs,”vSavannah told Essence in 2020.
“If he needs someone to listen to him. If he needs to talk or if he says, ‘Hey babe, I’m tired. Can I take a nap?’ I will say ‘Yeah, baby. Take a nap,’ and keep the kids occupied. It’s a part of the role that I play as the mother of his kids and being his wife.”
Savannah James seemingly ensured her kids were raised right and LeBron James’ businesses were handled well while he was away because of his basketball commitments. That stability back home has allowed the four-time MVP to focus solely on his career and carve out an illustrious run for 21 years.
