Savannah James is finally stepping into her own spotlight.
The wife of Lakers star LeBron James explained in an interview with The Cut for its May-June cover story why she feels ready to be seen outside of her roles as the supportive wife and mother of three — and that things weren’t always that way.
Savannah opted to live a private life for the majority of James’ 20-year NBA career, instead of taking the reality television route or becoming an influencer like many wives and girlfriends of pro athletes.
“That time, to be honest, was spent pouring into my boys,” she said during the interview, which took place at a private members-only club in West Hollywood.
“I just really wanted to enjoy being a mom and supporting my husband. I wasn’t super comfortable with putting myself out like that.”
The matriarch of the James family, labeled by the outlet as “MVP,” has never felt the need to publicly address any gossip about her relationship.
“That is going to put you in a rabbit hole that you don’t want to be in,” Savannah said, adding that she does her best to avoid internet comments entirely.
However, the Ohio-born businesswoman admitted that she is cool with people “thirsting” over her in comments on Instagram.
“I could see it and I appreciate it,” Savannah said. “Everyone wants to see that people are interested in what they’re doing at the time. I just took it as it came.
“Sometimes I’m like, ‘Oh, my gosh, a little bit much.’ But I get it and I’m cool with it. I understood that maybe this is just where I’m at right now and this is my time to, I don’t know, be seen.”
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The 36-year-old is letting herself have fun with “new experiences” in the limelight — and said she has been on “this intentional journey of being a better woman” over the last four years.
“I’ve gone to therapy. Anything just to find out more about myself and the way that my brain functions in certain situations,” she said. “I am a woman getting to a certain age and I need to be aging like the most amazing 19-whatever vintage wine on the market.
“I took a super-heavy intention with my health, moving my body, doing things that may sound weird, juicing for three months.
“I went on a detox program. I enjoyed it. I felt like I was able to tap into meditation, and my mind was much clearer. I was able to make decisions that I feel like I might have been kind of wavering with had I not done it. It felt spiritual.”
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James took to Instagram to praise his wife, writing, “The 1 and only” over a snapshot of Savannah posing for the outlet in an Issey Miyake dress.
The Lakers star — who became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer in February — added a crown, hearts, flame and clapping emojis.
The high school sweethearts, who’ve been together for 22 years, will celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary this year.
Savannah’s interview with The Cut” came a few days after her eldest son, Bronny James, announced his commitment to play at USC.
When asked about the possibility of her both sons, including 15-year-old Bryce Maximus, being in the NBA, Savannah explained that their happiness is most important.
“Yeah, I’m happy for them,” she said. “Listen, I want nothing for them except for their happiness. That’s it.
“In whatever it is that they decide to do, I’m here supporting and rooting for them. I’m their biggest fan always. If they decide to go the NBA route or a different route, whatever that is, I’m here.”
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Savannah and James also share a daughter, Zhuri Nova, 8, who is currently in her “basketball era” and loving watching her dad’s games.
James is preparing for Game 6 against the Warriors, following Thursday’s 121-106 loss at Chase Center.
The Lakers have a chance to close out the series and advance to the Western Conference Finals at homeon Friday.
