
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.”
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
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.
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image screenshot/ xoNecole YouTube
Celebrity Engagements Of 2025: All The Stars Who Locked It Down This Year (So Far!)
February might be in the rearview, but love is most definitely still in the air as the gworls are getting wifed up left and right. We love love over here at xoNecole, and 2025 is already shaping up to be a year full of celebrity engagements. Zendaya had the innanet in a chokehold when she kicked off award season flashing a stunning rock on her ring finger, and more recently, Normani announced her engagement to long-time partner DK Metcalf.
As more of our faves take that next step to saying "I do," keep reading for all the couples who got engaged in 2025. Stay tuned!
Every Celebrity Engagement of 2025 (So Far)
Normani and DK Metcalf
“Hold that rock up, baby!” That’s how DK Metcalf casually dropped the news of his engagement to singer Normani while speaking during a press conference that followed the announcement of his trade from the Seattle Seahawks to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a five-year, $150 million contract. And just like that, we all wanted in the group chat.
But before this love story led to a ring, it had to have its start. And for that, we can thank Ciara and Russell Wilson. The couple's mutual friends played matchmakers for Normani, 28, and DK, 27, bringing them together at a party for Ciara’s rum brand after DK had already manifested their love years earlier. “Me and Ciara are really close, and Russell and DK were teammates on the Seattle Seahawks,” Normani shared with Vogue.
“About two years prior to us even meeting, they were playing music videos in the locker room, and ‘Motivation’ ended up popping up on the screen. DK said, ‘The moment I saw you come up on that screen, I said, ‘That's going to be my wife.’’” At the time, Normani was in a relationship, but two years later, Ciara made sure the stars aligned. “I ended up going [to the party], and lo and behold, he ended up being there, and the rest is history.”
As for the actual proposal, DK had been planning it for over a year—initially hoping to pop the question during a family trip to Turks & Caicos. But with Normani focused on her album at the time, he decided to wait for the perfect moment. That moment came on March 12 during another family trip, this time to Houston, where he surprised her with an intimate proposal surrounded by their loved ones. To say that Normani was shocked is an understatement. “I was like, ‘Baby, you knew for over a year?’” she recalled to the publication. “To get anything past me for over a year is crazy!”
Swooning!
Winnie Harlow and Kyle Kuzma
There might be something in the water in Turks & Caicos because while DK Metcalf had dreams of proposing to Normani there, Kyle Kuzma made it happen for Winnie Harlow this past Valentine's Day. The NBA star popped the question to his longtime love in the same place they took their first baecation back in 2022, a trip that, according to Kyle, cemented his plan to propose to the fashion model one day.
The Milwaukee Bucks player went all out for the occasion, chartering a private jet decked out with roses, balloons, chocolates, and champagne, all of which Winnie assumed was just an elaborate Valentine’s Day surprise. But the real moment came when Kyle, 29, read Winnie, 30, a heartfelt poem he had written, which ended with the words, “Will you be my wife?” The 8.5-carat oval-cut engagement ring that accompanied it sealed the deal.
The couple celebrated with a dreamy beachfront dinner, fireworks lighting up the sky as Winnie held up her ring in disbelief. She later shared the news with her fans on Instagram in a post, writing “To eternity” alongside a carousel of photos capturing the magical moment.
Amber "AD" Smith and Ollie Sutherland
If you know the Love Is Blind lore, this engagement announcement is going to hit a little different. After all, AD Smith and Ollie Sutherland both made it to the altar in their respective seasons, but not with each other. Now, in a full-circle plot twist for the ages, the two reality stars found love off-screen, and they just made it official.
During the recent Love Is Blind reunion special, AD and Ollie dropped the bombshell news that they’re engaged! The couple met while filming the upcoming season of Netflix's Perfect Match, but while we don’t know all the ins and outs of how their love story began (yet!), we do know where they are now. The pair opened up more about their engagement on AD’s podcast, What’s the Reality?, while Ollie took to Instagram to hard launch their love with a collab post captioned, “THIS is how you do a hard launch! 💍 #TheSutherlands.”
After everything they’ve been through in their respective Love Is Blind journeys, AD and Ollie are proof that sometimes, love finds you when and where you least expect it. And we’re always here for a second chance at true love.
Paige Hurd and Royce O' Neal
Paige Hurd is engaged, y'all! The actress, known most recently for her work in Power Book II: Ghost, and Phoenix Suns forward Royce O’Neale are officially tying the knot following a romantic proposal in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Their love story feels like something straight out of a rom-com. Paige, 32, had just sworn off dating, fully focused on her faith and personal growth—then, boom, in walks Royce, 31, to change everything. “Nice as can be,” she recalled in a PEOPLE exclusive, though she initially only saw him as a friend. But Royce? He had a very different vision of who he saw her as in his life. “She was my lifelong crush,” he admitted. “A couple years ago, I told my friends, ‘One day I’ll meet her, date her, and marry her.’ Of course, they thought I was joking, but I was serious.”
Fast forward to February 13, and that longtime manifestation became reality. During an intimate oceanfront dinner at the Viceroy Riviera Maya, surrounded by candlelight and rose petals, Paige was served a slice of red velvet cake with “Will you marry me?” written on the plate. And their journey to a lifetime is only beginning.
From childhood crush to future husband, Royce spoke this love into existence. And with Paige calling him “the most thoughtful, down-to-earth, gentle man I’ve ever known,” it’s clear this is a love story written in the stars.
Jilly Anais and DeShaun Watson
Jilly Anais and her longtime love DeShaun Watson are officially engaged! The Cleveland Browns quarterback popped the question to the singer/content creator with the help of a gorgeous beachside backdrop. On March 16, the couple announced the news in a collab Instagram post, where Jilly beamed ear to ear while showing off her massive diamond ring. “Mrs. Watson loading…” she captioned the post, sending friends, fans, and NFL teammates into a frenzy.
Their love story first began in 2019 when Watson slid into Jilly’s IG DMs, and they’ve been inseparable ever since. From celebrating career wins to house-hunting together on Selling Sunset, these two have been building a life together—and now, wedding bells are otw.
Kyle Massey and Hana Giraldo
From Disney Channel star to fiancé, Kyle Massey is officially an engaged man! The That’s So Raven and Cory in the House alum popped the question to his longtime love, Hana Giraldo, daughter of rock legend Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo.
Hana announced the big news on Instagram, writing, “IM ENGAGED 💍 to my best friend, my soulmate, and my forever @kylemassey. A lifetime of love, laughter, and adventure begins now! I love you so much Xo.” The couple, who have been together for years, couldn’t be happier to step into this next chapter together. “I'm marrying my best friend, this is a dream come true,” Hana shared.
DeVon Franklin and Maria Castillo
DeVon Franklin and celebrity trainer Maria Castillo are engaged! The preacher and producer proposed during a romantic getaway in Maui on December 27, 2024, but the couple kept their engagement under wraps until February 2025 (which is why they are on this list), when they shared the news exclusively with PEOPLE.
DeVon, 46, gave them the deets of how he pulled off the ultimate surprise. As they posed on a grassy cliff for what she thought was a regular photo shoot, DeVon turned to Maria, 29, and told his bride-to-be, “You know, this whole time has really been an engagement photo shoot.” Shocked, Maria dropped to the ground before DeVon got down on one knee to pop the big question. “Finding Maria has been one of God’s greatest blessings in my life, so I wanted the proposal to be as special as our love,” DeVon told PEOPLE. “It was truly a magical moment, and I can’t wait to spend a magical life with Maria!”
The couple, who were introduced by a mutual friend last year, have been inseparable ever since. “To know I’ll be spending the rest of my life with this incredible man is a dream come true,” Maria shared with the outlet.
Zendaya and Tom Holland
This wouldn’t be a list of celebrity engagements of 2025 without the engagement announcement that kicked it all off: Zendaya and Tom Holland! The pair sparked loads of speculation after Zendaya blinded us with a stunning diamond ring at the Golden Globes in January 2025. And while the notoriously private couple has yet to publicly address the news, multiple reports have confirmed that they are, in fact, officially engaged.
Adding to the confirmation, PEOPLE recently reported that Tom’s Spider-Man co-star Jacob Batalon—who also got engaged this year—set the record straight about their proposal timelines. According to the publication, sources confirmed that Tom and Zendaya were engaged as of January 6, but Jacob argues that he had his proposal plans set in motion before Tom. “No, we did not know about each other's plans like that,” he told Metro Entertainment. “But I will say I thought about it first.”
Zendaya and Tom have always kept their love story low-key, so an official announcement might never come. But between the ring, the reports, and their inner circle spilling deets, it looks like they are locking it down on their own terms.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Normani/Instagram