LeBron James Drops Marriage Wisdom After 20 Years With Savannah James: ‘Never Picture Perfect’
LeBron James and Savannah Brinson’s love story stretches back long before the NBA spotlight ever found him. Now that they’ve been together for 20 years — and married for 12 — James is sharing what he’s learned about growing up and growing old with Savannah. He gave some candid marriage advice on the 360 With Speedy podcast.
LeBron James shares his playbook for a strong marriage
On the 360 With Speedy podcast, LeBron James discussed everything from his passion for golf to his 20-year relationship with wife, Savannah James. During his interview with Speedy Morman, an on-camera host, journalist, and executive producer, the LA Laker denied the “picture perfect” image he and his wife my inadvertently present to the public.
He said, “I’m gonna be honest. A relationship is never picture perfect.” LeBron elaborated, “But if you’re OK with working through the hardships and the adverse moments, then it will make it all worth it, man. We’ve been together since high school, so s*** ain’t always going to be a bed of roses, man — in any relationship, let alone someone you’ve been living with for 20 years.”
The 40-year-old stated his No. 1 piece of marriage advice: “Communication.” LeBron continued, “Being honest is No. 2. No. 3 is just, like, you have to be OK in being uncomfortable in relationships sometimes. You can’t always have it your way. You can’t always think, ‘My way or the highway.’ It’s never going to work that way.”
LeBron is used to getting his way on the court. But the 4-time NBA champion will concede when it comes to his life at home with Savannah, 39. “The saying, ‘Happy wife, happy life,’ that s*** is real, bro,” he told Morman.
LeBron and Savannah James’ humble beginnings in Ohio
The two met as teenagers growing up in Akron, Ohio. LeBron was a rising basketball star at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, while Savannah attended a rival school nearby. Their first date was simple and sweet, a trip to Outback Steakhouse followed by watching a basketball game at a friend’s house. Even then, Savannah has said she knew there was “something different” about him.
As LeBron’s career skyrocketed, from being drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003 to becoming one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, Savannah remained a constant by his side. She was there for his early NBA years, championship runs, and the intense media attention that followed his every move. In 2004, the couple welcomed their first son, LeBron “Bronny” James Jr., followed by Bryce in 2007 and their daughter, Zhuri, in 2014.
LeBron proposed to Savannah in a grand yet intimate gesture on New Year’s Eve 2011, during a party celebrating both the new year and his 27th birthday. Surrounded by friends and fellow athletes, he got down on one knee, marking a turning point in their already decade-long journey together. The couple tied the knot in September 2013 in San Diego, with a star-studded guest list and a performance from Beyoncé and Jay-Z.
Over the years, LeBron has found himself the target of infidelity claims from multiple women. He has never confirmed any claims of cheating — and several of these rumor-spreaders, including YesJulz and DJ Akademiks, have walked back their statements. In public statements and interviews, LeBron has emphasized the importance of family and addressed rumors by praising his wife. Now, after more than 20 years together, LeBron and Savannah are not just life partners but also a model of loyalty and resilience in the public eye.
