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Savannah and LeBron James’ story is straight out of a Nicholas Sparks novel. High school sweethearts and young parents turned millionaire philanthropists – LeBron and Savannah are one of the most wholesome celebrity couples the world has ever seen. Let’s unpack everything that makes Savannah such a kick-ass woman!
How did LeBron and Savannah meet?
LeBron James and Savannah Brinson met during high school at a football game when she was age 16 and he was 18. They grew up in the same neighbourhood of Ohion but attended rival schools, with LeBron already excelling at basketball as well as football and Savannah cheerleading and playing softball. Savannah said she had no idea that LeBron was a talented basketball when he invited her to watch him play. “I had no idea who he was” she recalls. “I went, and I was like, Wow, this guy is pretty popular in here.” They had their first date at Outback Steakhouse, and when Savannah forgot her leftovers in LeBron’s car he returned them to her. She told Harper’s Bazaar “I knew he loved me when I left my leftovers from dinner in his car. I’d totally forgotten about them, and he brought them to me. I think he just wanted another excuse to come and see me.”
Pictured: Savannah and LeBron attend prom together in 2004. Savannah told Harper’s Bazaar that she never imagined that LeBron “the tallest date in high school” would experience his current level of success. “I just thought he’d be a hometown hero for his era and it would be over” she said. She’s right about LeBron being the tallest date in school. LeBron towers over most people with a height of 2.03 metres.
In senior year, the couple fell pregnant with their first child LeBron Jr. Becoming young parents was, understandably, a daunting prospect for the pair but they stuck together through it. Savannah said that James was adamant that they would not treat having a child at a young age as a set-back. “It’s not going to slow me down, and it’s not going to slow you down. We’re going to keep doing what we have to do” he said. Three years later they had their second son, Bryce. They continued dating and parenting, remaining in a committed relationship until 2010 when LeBron popped the question on New Year’s Eve in 2011. The couple were attending a dinner that was in honour of LeBron’s 27th birthday a day prior, but the star clearly had other things on his mind, proposing to Savannah in front of their children.
The engagement ring
LeBron spared no expense when it came to buying Savannah an engagement ring. “The ring is a traditional Tiffany style ring with a pear shape diamond in the center along with two tapered diamond baguettes on each side,” says Aslam Bakshi, owner of Diamond Images U.S.A., Inc. “The centre diamond should be at least 4-5 carats… with an approximate retail value of between $250,000 and $300,000.”
Pictured: Savannah James cuddles her son, while we all stare at that fabulous bling on her left hand!
Roughly 200 guests attended their wedding at the Grand Del Mar Hotel, including Miami Heat owner Micky Arison, fellow NBA player Dwayne Wade and singer Neyo. Although there was a strict no-phones policy, multiple sources say that the festivities included a performance of “Crazy in Love” from Beyonce and Jay-Z themselves!
Pictured: Savannah James and LeBron James were featured in Vogue’s 125th anniversary issue.
As of 2017, the couple were worth an estimated $275 million, and that number will have grown expediently since LeBron’s pay rise. In 2018, he was earning a base salary of $35.65 million. But this net worth is not all due to his work as a professional NBA player. Savannah is anything but “LeBron James’ wife.” She is an accomplished designer, philanthropist and businesswoman in her own right.
Savannah started a furniture line with American Signature called Home Court and kickstarted the Women of Our Future mentorship program. “I wanted to start the Women of Our Future program because I know the struggles and pressures a lot of these young women are facing during these tough high school years, and I want them to know they are supported every step of the way,” said Savannah. “I’m passionate about empowering and encouraging these young women because they are the future leaders of our community. I’m honored and excited to be in a position to work with them.” In the past, Savannah has provided prom attire for 50 girls in her hometown area. The lucky girls got to pick their dresses and shoes, they received make up and Beats By Dre headphones, and were treated to a make over, DJ and limousine ride to their big night as part of the ‘Savannah’s IPromise MakeOver’. She also plays an active role in the LeBron James Family Foundation, a volunteer organisation created by LeBron and his mother to give back to the community of Akron, Ohio.
Who are the James children?
Savannah and LeBron have three children – LeBron James Jr (nicknamed Bronny), Bryce Maximus James and Zhuri Nova James. Bronny was born in 2004, Bryce in 2007 and Zhuri in 2014. Savannah regularly posts about her kids and their antics on Instagram, like this cute clip of Bryce and Zhuri using the app TikTok. You can follow Savannah on Instagram @mrs_savannahrj and LeBron on @kingjames. LeBron told Vogue that although he may rule on the court, it’s Savannah who is in charge in the James household. “I’m gone a lot, so she is the boss of the house; she’s the rule setter,” he said to the publication. “It’s hard for me to go on the road for two and a half weeks and then come home and tell my kids ‘Look, this is how it should be done’ when she’s been home every day.”
Pictured: The couple that trains together, stays together!
For Savannah’s 30th birthday, LeBron surprised her with a Miami Vice themed party (one of her favourite television shows) and gifted her brand new white Ferrari Testarossa. It’s no more than she deserves – stay gold you two!
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