LeBron James Admits He And Wife Savannah Weathered Tough Storms

Beyond his incredible skills on the hardwood, NBA legend LeBron James is often praised for what appears to be a flawless relationship with his wife, Savannah James. The pair met while attending different high schools in Akron, Ohio, and have been inseparable since then. However, that doesn’t mean the two are always seeing eye-to-eye. In fact, LeBron recently admitted that while they’ve been through many challenging moments, their commitment to serving each other has only strengthened their bond over the years.

During an interview on Complex’s “360 with Speedy Morman,” LeBron opened up about several topics, including his career, friendships, and marriage to his wife, Savannah.

Host Speedy Morman asked the Los Angeles Lakers star about his seemingly “picture perfect” marriage and how the couple is able to stay so strong. However, LeBron was quick to admit that things are not always as they may seem.

“It’s not, man,” said LeBron. “I’m gonna be honest. A relationship is never picture perfect.”

He went on to explain that intentionally working through some of the most challenging times is what strengthens a couple’s relationship.

“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 sh-t 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,” he said.

So, how do LeBron and his wife, whom he married in 2013, make it work after many years together?

“Communication is No. 1,” LeBron said. “Being honest is No. 1. 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 also pointed to a popular marital adage, explaining that it’s proven true in his household.

The saying, ‘Happy wife, happy life,’ that sh-t is real, bro,” he said.

And Savannah seemingly echoed her husband’s sentiments during an earlier interview, per a report from The Blast.

“There are ebbs and flows in marriage. That taught me not to be too hard on myself or him. And to give grace,” she said. “You never know what people — or your significant other, for that matter — are going through. I appreciate that same sentiment,” the media personality explained. “You can’t depend on someone else for your happiness. You have to be happy.”

According to an earlier report from PEOPLE, LeBron celebrated his and Savannah’s 12th wedding anniversary with a special post on Instagram, calling the mother of three “my beautiful.”

“I love you mama!” he wrote.

A few years before that, LeBron shared an even more personal message, writing, “Queen. Happy anniversary” before adding, “P.S. YOU SO D-MN SEXY! WOW.”

In a separate interview with The Cut, Savannah opened up about how meaningful it is to be publicly appreciated by her husband.

“It’s very nice to hear that the sacrifices that you’ve made and the work that you’ve put into making sure that our children are raised properly and that he has a stable environment that’s full of love and good vibes and all the things — it’s a testament to be told that,” she said. “I think it’s a testament to myself to be like, ‘Yeah, thank you. I did that.'”