In LeBron James’ marriage to wife Savannah, a childhood friend, and Beyonce performing at her wedding

LEBRON James made his first Sports Illustrated cover in 2002 with the magazine announcing Akron native “The Chosen One” at the age of 17.

The year would prove to be extremely momentous in both the NBA superstar’s career and life, as he met his future wife, Savannah Brinson, around the same time.

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James played ball for St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio, when he met the then 16-year-old cheerleader and softball player in Buchtel.

They attended competing schools, but as luck would have it, LeBron spotted Savannah at a local soccer game.

And she wouldn’t forget that she took his phone number.

A few weeks later they had their first date at the Outback Steakhouse.

That day, Savannah knew the couple was up to something special.

“I knew he loved me from the moment I left my leftovers in his car,” she later told Harper’s Bazaar.

“I totally forgot about her and he brought her to me. I think he just wanted another excuse to come see me.”

LeBron and Savannah quickly learned the challenges of adult life.

She was five months pregnant when they attended prom in 2003 during James’ rookie season with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Bronny was born on October 6, 2004, nearly three months before LeBron turned 20.

Three years later, they welcomed Bronny’s little brother, Bryce.

But just like on the court, LeBron appreciated the extra responsibilities that parenthood brought to his life.

“My sons are the only reason I’m sane,” he would say.

“They don’t know if I missed the last three shots to win the game or if I turned the ball over.

“All they know is they see their daddy coming out of the locker room and they’re ready to play.”

Savannah stood by James when he decided to join the Miami Heat in 2010 – although Florida’s Magic City wasn’t her preferred choice.

They’re “soul mates,” she explained, and that’s why their love blossomed no matter what.

And LeBron felt comfortable around his childhood sweetheart, knowing he could always count on her no matter what.

A year later, he felt ready to pop the question.

“It felt like a finals game,” the NBA superstar told Oprah of proposing at a New Year’s Eve party in France.

They tied the knot in San Diego in September 2013, almost two years later.

And LeBron was there to make sure the love of his life had the wedding of her dreams.

“Savannah gets whatever she wants on her day,” he said.

Around 200 guests attended the three-day reception at the Grand Del Mar Hotel.

LeBron’s then-Heat teammates Chris Bosh, Shane Battier, Norris Cole and Dwyane Wade, as well as Miami owner Micky Arison and head coach Erik Spoelstra were all in attendance.

But perhaps the biggest guests performed at the wedding.

Beyoncé and Jay Z serenaded the newlyweds with the song “Crazy in Love” on their memorable day.

Since then, daughter Zhuri has joined the James gang.

And Savannah has launched her own career as an entrepreneur and philanthropist.

She gives back to the community by providing counseling and financial support to Akron’s young girls through initiatives like I PROMise Makeover and Women of Our Future.

“They look like the Rockefellers of 2023,” said James’ mother, Gloria, who raised the NBA superstar without his biological father, Anthony McClelland.

A pretty jarring comparison considering the James family had to move several times a year when Gloria struggled to find a steady source of income during LeBron’s childhood.

The Los Angeles Lakers All-Star is now a four-time NBA champion with as many MVP titles and a net worth of over $1 billion.

But LeBron says he owes it all to Savannah.

“Who am I [without] you in my corner, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!” he wrote on the day of their eighth wedding anniversary.

“Loving You.”

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