LeBron James Showers Praises On 'Queen' Savannah As He Becomes A Billionaire
By Afouda Bamidele on June 7, 2022 at 7:30 PM EDT
LeBron James is giving credit where credit is due as he reached a major milestone! Over the weekend, the legendary basketballer made headlines after being confirmed as an official billionaire.
James' net worth was estimated at $1 billion after a successful 2021 and the Lakers player is dedicating his major win to none other than his beautiful wife, Savannah James.
LeBron James Is The First Active NBA Player To Be A Billionaire
As The Blast previously reported, LeBron broke the record to become the first active NBA player to become a billionaire while still playing in the league.
He joins the leagues of billionaire basketballers like the late Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. However, his feat is much more extraordinary as the former players were retired before reaching such a financial milestone.
Per Forbes, the Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard pushed his net worth after earning a robust $121.2 million in 2021. The Ohio native is the highest-paid basketball player in the NBA league, earning over $385 million in just salary from playing from three teams — Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Lakers.
However, the majority of James' net worth doesn't come from his basketball career. Despite his dedication to the sport, the athlete is an avid investor and seasoned businessman.
His several investments, business ventures, and endorsements earned him upwards of $900 million in income. LeBron's secret to amassing wealth has been something he has practiced since he was a teenager when he first got drafted into the NBA.
The father-of-three got his first deal when he was just 18 and chose Nike over Adidas and Reebok because he believed the former would give a longer partnership. James has carried this mindset of long-term deals over quick cash in all of his deals.
His estimated $ 1 billion net worth is made up of $300 million from his co-owned entertainment venture The Spring Hill Company; $80 million in real estate; $30 million from his 10% stake in Blaze Pizza; $90 million from his minority stake in Fenway Sports Group; and $500 million in cash and other assets.
LeBron Celebrates His Loving Wife
Following the financial milestone, the basketballer took to social media to give thanks to his wife Savannah for being by his side through all these years. Alongside a carousel of several heartwarming photos, LeBron paid the sweetest tribute to the love of his life.
Among the array of images, were many throwback pictures from their high school days including one of them at prom. In the accompanying caption, LeBron told the world that Savannah was a crucial part of his success story.
"Quick letter to my Queen, Simply just letting you know that I appreciate you more than this world has to offer," the athlete began.
He continued, "Been my 🪨 (rock) holding this s**t down from the very first jump ball! With all the BS that comes into our lives throughout the years and on the daily you've never waved, fluttered, or allow yourself to simply not be strong for me, us but more importantly YOU!!"
LeBron then confessed, "Where would I be today w/o you I think to myself quite often. The answer usually comes back to 'not even close to where you would have wanted to be in life!'"
He concluded the loving post, describing it as an "appreciation post" to Savannah, letting her and the world know, "I ain't s**t without you!"
LeBron ended the tribute, quoting the lyrics from 2Pac's "Me and My Girlfriend." He wrote, "All I need in this life of sin, is me and my girlfriend aka best friend aka wife! Love, King 👑."
A Look At The James' Relationship Timeline
The lovebirds met in 2002 when they were just in high school. LeBron was a basketballer and footballer at the St. Vincent-St. Mary High school when he met Savannah, a cheerleader from a rival school.
View this post on Instagram
He asked her out on a date to Outback Steakhouse and sweetly returned her leftovers in a bid to see her again. The pair formed an instant connection and two years later in October 2004 welcomed their first child LeBron James Jr. known as Bronny.
Their first pregnancy was unexpected but their love was able to help them navigate the difficulties of being young parents. Down the line, another family member was added in 2007 when their second son Bryce was born.
In 2011, the couple finally took their relationship to another level when LeBron proposed following a major career move from his hometown Ohio to Miami.
In September 2013, LeBron and Savannah tied the knot in a star-studded three-day affair in San Diego, California, with Beyoncé and Jay-Z performing "Crazy In Love" at the reception.
The beautiful family-of-four was expanded to five when their daughter Zhuri Nova was born in October 2014 and they have continued to live happily ever after!