Watch:
LeBron James Teases Potential Career Move After NBA Retirement
LeBron James is taking himself off the pedestal.
Because when it comes to his and Savannah James’ decade-long marriage, the NBA superstar insisted that their relationship is far from “picture perfect.”
“I’m gonna be honest,” LeBron said during a Sept. 18 episode of Speedy Morman’s 360 with Speedy podcast. “A relationship is never picture perfect. But if you’re okay with working through the hardships and the adverse moments, then it will make it all worth it.”
After all, the couple—who met as teenagers while attending rival high schools—has had plenty of time to learn how to navigate even the hardest bumps in their relationship.
“We’ve been together since high school, so s--t ain’t gonna always be a bed of roses,” the 40-year-old continued. “In any relationship, let alone someone you’ve been living with for 20 years.”
As for what he considers the secret to their lasting romance? Well, Lebron and Savannah—who share kids Bronny James, 20, Bryce James, 18, and Zhuri James, 10—live by three main principles.
“Communication is number one,” LeBron explained. “Being honest is number two. Number three is just, like, you have to be okay with 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.”
He added, “The saying, ‘Happy wife, happy life,’ that s--t is real.”
And perhaps that is why LeBron didn’t hesitate to come to his wife’s defense after rapper Kevin Gates publicly stated that he prefers the way white women look at the Los Angeles Lakers player to his wife of 12 years.
"'Kings don't concern themselves with the opinions of peasants,'" LeBroncaptionedan April 20 Instagram post with Savannah alongside a Black queen emoji. "Where to next Queen?!?! Let's get it!"
Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images
As for what the “Satellites” rapper actually said to spark their recent feud? Well, he made it clear that he wouldn’t want to trade places with LeBron despite being “one of the greatest players to ever play the game.”
"I don't like the way Savannah look at LeBron," Kevin said in an April 19 Instagram video. "I like the way them white women look at LeBron. As soon as he walked out there, they just be like, 'Oh oh oh.'"
Describing Savannah as "the warden of the jail," he added that LeBron's spirit "is so loving and giving, it hurt me to see it."
For more athletes who took inspiration from LeBron and married their middle school, high school or college sweetheart, keep reading…
Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for Sports Illustrated
Alexander Hassenstein - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Allen Berezovsky/WireImage
Allen Berezovsky/WireImage
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
