LeBron James and his wife, Savannah James, are often seen as the picture of a perfect couple. But even a superstar like LeBron admits that marriage isn’t always easy. He recently shared some honest thoughts about their long-standing relationship.
During a chat with Speedy Morman on the “360 with Speedy” podcast, which aired on Thursday, September 18, LeBron, who is 40, was asked if his marriage to Savannah, 39, truly is “perfect.” His answer was pretty straightforward.
“It’s not, brother,” James said without hesitation. “I’m going to be honest. A relationship is never perfect. But if you’re willing to work through the hardships and adverse times, then it’s all worth it, brother. We’ve been together since high school, so sh*t ain’t always going to be peaches and cream, brother, in any relationship, and much less with someone you’ve been living with for 20 years.”
LeBron and Savannah first met when they went to different high schools in Akron, Ohio. They tied the knot in September 2013. Together, they have three children: sons LeBron “Bronny” Jr., 20, and Bryce, 18, along with their daughter Zhuri, 10. Their family life often looks smooth from the outside.
LeBron also offered some wisdom for making a relationship last. “Communication is number one,” he explained. “Being honest is number one. The number three thing is simply that you have to be okay with feeling uncomfortable sometimes in relationships. You can’t always have things your way. You can’t always think: ‘My way or nothing.’ That’s never going to work.” He sealed his advice with a classic saying: “The saying, ‘Happy wife, happy life,’ that saying is real, brother.”
Looking Ahead: Life Beyond the Court
Basketball is a huge part of LeBron’s life, and he knows his playing days won’t last forever. As he gets ready for his 23rd season in the NBA, he admitted he’s “on the other side of the peak” of his career.
“I’m not going to play another 23 years, that’s for sure,” LeBron stated. “I’m not going to play another 10. I’m definitely preparing for when the end comes. It’s not here yet. I’m super blessed to be able to be here in year 23.”
Some fans might wonder if his new interest in golf means he’s planning to retire soon. But LeBron quickly shut down those rumors with a laugh. “Listen, guys, every time I try something new it doesn’t mean I retire,” he said. He joked about how people connect any new activity to retirement. “‘I saw this guy eat with chopsticks, he’s retiring!’ ‘Oh, I saw you in a too-big shirt, he’s retiring!’ ‘Oh damn, he grabbed a golf club, he’s retiring!'” He clarified, “It’s just something I want to do. It’s just a little hobby.”
Still, he knows the day will come. LeBron added, “But retirement is coming. Yes, it’s coming. But it’s not here yet.”
You can hear more from LeBron on the “360 with Speedy” podcast.