Savannah James Is Outside! Things You Didn’t Know About LeBron’s Most Important Accomplishment
Savannah James is that woman. She adds value to whatever room she walks into. She’s regal but perfectly connected to the culture. She’s unimpressed with fame despite leading a home of three already-famous kids and a husband who happens to be one of the greatest NBA players of all time. And she has one of the most beautiful love stories in the world of sports today.
Who Is LeBron James' Wife? What To Know About Savannah James
As we all know, Savannah is married to megastar LeBron James and has been for a near decade (the couple has been together for nearly two decades altogether). She has stood by his side since they were in high school and cheered him all the way to the history books, where he now resides as the all-time leading scorer—a career accomplishment that will take generations to break.
But even with her being the leading lady of arguably one of the most famous men in history, Savannah likes to keep a low profile. Every now and then, she’ll pop out and collectively break the internet, as she does so effortlessly, which honestly, is one of my favorite things about scrolling Beyoncé’s internet, but outside of what she shows us, we don’t know much about her. Until now.
Here are some fun facts about LeBron’s greatest accomplishment:
Savannah James Is More Than LeBron James' Wife. Here's What To Know About Her:
1. Savannah James made the first move to go on a date with LeBron James.
Savannah resides on the top level of bosses, and this even rings true in her relationship. She and LeBron were set up by a mutual friend, who told her that LeBron asked for her number, to which she simply replied "nope," and said she would take his number instead. She shared the story with Cleveland Magazine in 2018, explaining that she ended up texting him one day out of boredom.
“One day I’m sitting around—I was probably bored or something—and I’m like, ‘Oh, I forgot! I have this number for this guy that I can call. He seemed interested, so let’s see.’”
After reaching out, LeBron took Savannah on their first date to Outback Steakhouse, and by her prom, she was pregnant with LBJ Jr, whom the couple welcomed in 2004.
2. LeBron James credits Savannah James for his success.
This season, the world watched as LeBron officially became the all-time leading scorer in the NBA, a record previously held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. But if you ask him, all credit goes to his wife, who he revealed that without her support, none of it would be possible, then ultimately giving her credit for the record and calling her the MVP. *swoons*
And although Savannah obviously appreciates the gesture, she says that LeBron going out of his way to shout her out, is all too common, telling Cleveland Magazine, “He is truly a king to his queen, if you will. He treats me with so much respect—I mean, it’s hard to not love him, with the way that he is with me and the kids and his mom and just everyone who’s around him. He’s a really, really humble guy for everything that he has and everything that he’s done.”
"You did that s--t." 😂
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 8, 2023
Savannah gave LeBron his flowers last night 💐
(via @Banks) pic.twitter.com/6zQueczcdO
3. Beyoncé AND Jay-Z performed at Savannah and LeBron's wedding.
The two love birds met in high school. Savannah was a cheerleader at a rival high school when LeBron James saw her at a football game. Twelve years later, the couple decided to tie the knot in an ultra-extravagant ceremony in San Diego in front of 200 friends, family, and stars from the sports world bearing witness.
According to US Weekly, the three-day celebration was reported to have set the couple back a whopping $10 million and featured a surprise performance of "Crazy in Love" by the Carters.
4. Savannah James opened a smoothie shop in 2013.
When LeBron ‘’took his talents to South Beach,” Savannah decided to get her entrepreneur coins and opened a uber popular smoothie shop called The Juice Spot. While her shop was constantly busy, the endeavor closed in January 2016, due to her busy schedule, and ultimately due to the family relocating to Cleveland.
5. And she is committed to giving back.
The Jameses have been focused on philanthropic work in their hometown of Akron, Ohio as well as in every city they have called home during LeBron’s 20-year NBA career.
In 2017, Savannah launched her mentorship program, Women of Our Future through the LeBron James Foundation, which provides one-on-one counseling and support for young women in Akron.
She also ran an annual ‘I PROMise Makeover’ event that gives Akron students the opportunity to select free prom clothes, shoes, and accessories. This event is tied to her husband’s school, which she is also heavily involved in
Flex.
6. Savannah James has a blog and YouTube channel with the couple's 8-year-old daughter Zhuri, called All Things Zhuri.
Everyone’s favorite James family member is made for TV, which Savannah took notice of and decided to create a channel alongside her adorable 8-year-old daughter, Zhuri.
The series, titled All Thinks Zhuri, gives us a rare glimpse of our favorite family through the lens of the true boss of the family, whether Zhuri is hanging with dad, showing off her haircare routine, or hosting movie night screenings, although Savannah generally leaves most of the hosting up to her mini-me.
Savannah previously toldEssence that when it comes to sharing details of her family life, she does what feels best as she prefers to stay private. “With all the social media outlets, I feel like I have the choice to show you what I want to show you. I have a good time with my kids. I love to turn on music and we all dance in the living room together. But you’ll never see me. I will not post me dancing.”
6. Savannah James knows she has a “dope family.”
Last fall, the James family stopped to pose a few flicks for a spread inVanity Fair alongside her live-in parents and LeBron’s mother, Gloria James. Dressed to the nines, posing in front of classic cars, sitting around the table, or in the pool stunting with retro-chic sunglasses, Savannah served as the real-time creative director of the shoot, marveling at the wealthy, healthy melanated legacy she had created in front of her.
Vanity Fair mentions that she wanted the session to recognize and reflect the bonds underlying the family’s influence, and show the world their center of gravity. She then said what we were all thinking: “Excuse my language, but we a dope family.”
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Featured image by Emma McIntyre/WireImage
- Savannah James Dishes On Her Children In ‘Vanity Fair’ Interview ›
- LeBron James' Heartfelt Message To Savannah Is The Best Thing You'll See All Damn Day ›
- LeBron & Savannah James Celebrate Their Anniversary & We Love To See It ›
- Savannah James Talks Learning Self-Confidence - xoNecole: Lifestyle, Culture, Love, & Wellness ›
Charmin Michelle is a southern native and creative spirit who works as a content marketer and events manager in Chicago. She enjoys traveling, #SummertimeChi, and the journey of mastering womanhood. Connect with her on Instagram @charminmichelle.
Reset Your Relationship: How To Start 2025 Strong With Your Partner
As the calendar turns and a new year unfolds, many of us are laser-focused on our career goals, fitness resolutions, and vision boards that outline the journey to our best selves. But amidst all the planning and self-improvement, have you made room for another important part of your life? Your relationship.
It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Step 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Step 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
Step 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
Alaska Wasn’t On My Bucket List, But My Glacier Adventure Made Me A Believer
We all have bucket list destinations at the top of our lists. I visited one of those at the top of 2024: Japan! But what happens when you get an opportunity to go someplace that wasn’t on it? For me, that was Alaska. Now, I’d submitted my short film to the Anchorage International Film Festival, genuinely thinking it would be a long shot to get in with a short film about fibroids and Black women’s health.
However, to my surprise, I received an email that read: “It’s with great excitement that we announce your film, Super High: A Period Piece, has been selected for the 24th Anchorage International Film Festival.” After looking at the flight distance from Atlanta to Anchorage—a solid 10 hours one way— I’d decided this would be one I wouldn’t attend.
That was until there was a follow-up email that shared that the festival was sponsoring two excursions for filmmakers: A Northern Lights Tour and A Glacier Hike.
With that, I knew I had to make the trip to the 49th state! I flew Delta, which offered the shortest layovers—just 50 minutes each way. For a more comfortable flight on the longer legs that were about six hours between my layover city and Anchorage, I upgraded to first class with an in-app discount for $256 (the regular price of a first-class ticket runs about $2,100), which was so worth it for additional space and service for the six-hour trek.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
"So What’s Alaska Like? Did You Have To Wear a Snowsuit? What’s the Food Like?"
These are among the major questions I’ve gotten. Anchorage reminds me less of a bustling major city and more of a small town with an easygoing feel. When I arrived, they’d just had snow a few days before, so it was cold, and the streets were slick. So, I was so happy I’d invested in a pair of snow boots. For my first few days, the locals said it was warm. Warm to them being 20s at night and mid-30s during the day.
However, by the time I left, fresh snow was on the ground, and temps were well into the single digits—and it felt like it. Oh, the sun doesn’t rise until 10:30 a.m., and it sets around 4 p.m. That was among the most challenging things to experience because I felt like I never really woke up. So, between the lack of sun and the four-hour time difference, I felt tired the whole time I was there.
As for food, I didn’t explore a ton because I was so cold. But I found two gems! First was Whiskey and Ramen. If you enjoy ramen and exceptional service, this is a must-visit. I’d make a trip back just for their Wagyu ramen and their special take on an old fashion!
And, for coffee, I thoroughly enjoyed That Feeling Co. The coffee was great, and being surrounded by plants helped to perk up my spirits.
The Northern Lights
Iceland is one of the most popular places to see the Northern Lights, so I was very excited to know that Alaska also gets to see the Aurora Borealis light show. Typically, many people visit Fairbanks to see them, but there are tours offered in Anchorage too! When prepping for the late-night tour, we’d heard that the night we were heading out to see the lights, the cloud coverage likely meant we wouldn’t be able to see them. Bummer. I know. So, we could sit the tour out or still try. But, in my mind, I was like, why would I come all the way to Alaska not to try?
So, at about 9:30 p.m., we piled into vans and headed out to chase the Northern Lights. We traveled about an hour and a half from Anchorage, and when we stepped out of the van, it was cold and pitch black. And unfortunately, after a couple of hours in the cold, those clouds in the sky never parted for us. I know that when we see the posts of people who do get to see Mother Nature do her thing, we don’t have all of the context of the science, which is Aurora Borealis.
Sometimes, the weather just doesn’t do what we earthlings would like, which can lead to disappointment. However, our guide did give a recommendation. When you book a trip to see the lights, give yourself four to five days to see them. Don’t bank on one day because, at the end of the day, this is science.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
Now, On to the Glacier!
Just six hours after returning from the Northern Lights tour, we were up for the glacier tour because they were back-to-back! I was exhausted and so excited. If someone had told me I’d hike on a glacier, I would have given them a mean side-eye. I mean, where on earth does one climb a glacier? Let me share a few destinations with you, just in case you want to plan an icy adventure: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Chile, Argentina, and Alaska.
Aside from the fact the Matanuska Glacier is 22,000 years old, it’s the largest glacier accessible by car in the United States—27 miles long and four miles wide, making it one of the easier ones to see IRL. As a girlie with generalized anxiety disorder, I get anxious about doing this kind of thing because I know that to see these world wonders is usually a mountainous trek.
This one was two hours long, one-way, up snow-capped, windy, mountainous terrain. However, my therapist always reminds me to push myself to do what scares me (as long as it’s for a reason, of course). I held my breath for the journey there and back! And white-knuckled it from time to time, too.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
Once we got there, we were surrounded by fresh, fluffy snow, and it was COLD! In the negative cold. I was thankful, I’d over-prepared. If you even go on a glacier tour, I recommend a few things: Balaclava, heavy-weight gloves, cashmere socks, snow boots, and lots of layers.
Here’s what I wore. My first layer was Ann Taylor leggings and a Wolford Turtleneck. Then, I layered a cashmere turtleneck and cashmere joggers. A COACH down vest, which I’d recommend anyone own just for winter, in general, because it’s SO warm! For my feet, I wore Ann Taylor cashmere socks (I love these because they’re affordable and so warm) and Adidas Adifom Superstar Winter Boot and topped all of that with a Brandon Blackwood ankle-length parka. I know BB is known for his accessories, but the brand’s outwear is truly amazing and worth the investment. After two hours on the ice, I felt great!
If you’re open to adventure travel, I highly recommend putting a glacier tour on your list of things to do. There are a few reasons. First, standing on an ice age-old massive piece of glacier was my 2024 version of touching some grass. I was reminded that I’m a speck on this spinning rock and need to spend more time grounded in that fact as I move through the world. I looked to the sky and thought of how proud my ancestors would be, even though I know they’d be telling me to get my butt home and off a dog on a glacier!
Secondly, I gained an ever-large appreciation for Mother Nature as I learned that glaciers are the world's largest reservoir of freshwater, containing around 69% of the world's freshwater. Again, another fact that helped me gain perspective. Lastly, it’s just fun and stunningly beautiful!
After this, I’m looking forward to my next cold-weather adventure! Iceland and Argentina are at the top of the list!
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Featured image courtesy of Bianca Lambert