This summer, LeBron James announced he was leaving the Los Angeles Lakers after eight years with the team.
Fans and sports experts scrambled to predict which team he would switch to and whether he would retire. After weeks of suspense, he finally announced on July 24 that he was signing with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $8 million contract.
But that move had a much bigger impact on his family.
Many observers asked why did he leave the Lakers and why did he choose the 76ers.
But with his son Bronny James, 22, still playing for the Lakers and most of his family living in Los Angeles, fans also wondered how would this affect their lives?
LeBron James Gets Emotional as Daughter Zhuri Heads to Sixth Grade — Fans Can’t Get Over How Grown Up She Looks
On a Nov. 3 episode of “Baby This Is Keke Palmer,” his wife Savannah James got candid about the “stress” since LeBron started playing for Philly.
The podcast host, Keke Palmer, asked Savannah and her podcast co-host April McDaniel what crazy things are happening in their life currently.
The question was a reference to the title of their podcast, “Everybody’s Crazy.”
Without hesitation, Savannah said, “The crazy in my life is the fact that I have to figure out how to be three places at once.”
She continued, “I try not to think about it because I’m like it’s going to stress me out and I know it has to happen. But that is crazy.”
The 40-year-old explained that New York will be the hub since it’s not far from Philly. However, she does still live in Los Angeles.
Her and LeBron’s younger son, Bryce James, 22, plays for the Arizona Wildcats, so she’ll be visiting Tucson as well.
Sharing more about Bryce, Savannah said, “So along with his season, he’s everywhere else. So trying to plan my life out like that is a little crazy for me right now.”
She also revealed that the couple’s daughter Zhuri decided on her own to stay in Los Angeles instead of moving to Philadelphia or New York.
Recalling her daughter’s response, Savannah said, “She’s actually like, ‘Yeah, no. Um, volleyball and school. I don’t want to be away from school for that long. I still want to play with my teammates. So, she really was just kind of like, OK, like, we’ll still visit.”
Before splitting his time, LeBron made sure to drive Zhuri, who had just started sixth grade, to her first day of school. The father-daughter duo took selfies and jammed to music in the car all the way.
But Savannah’s confession shocked many who had no idea what she was dealing with.
One person complimented her by writing, “How tough. So strong, so bold. WOW.”
Another person who felt for Savannah wrote, “Chile this is definitely a lot to deal with.”
Skeptics questioned if her admission was a “pre-game divorce” setup, prompting supporters to hit back.
“Yeah Bron retiring after this year. He not losing her at all,” said one social media user.
Critics said Savannah should be happy she has the means to travel to each loved one.
“Yes, having money and a great lifestyle helps it all work BETTER but that doesn’t mean your world isn’t a lil crazier than you anticipated! As a mom of 3 and wife, we are ALWAYS trying to make sure we show up for everybody and still keep up with ourselves! I get it!”
On the same day that he announced the team he chose, LeBron explained the major motive behind his decision.
In a statement, he said he initially thought his final game with the Lakers might be his last, until he realized he still loves the game.
LeBron said, “This is my last decision. I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point? I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship.”
He continued, “I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time.”
LeBron even confirmed that before signing his deal, he got his family’s stamp of approval.
On Sept. 28 for Lakers’ media day, Bronny said, “He knows that I want to make a name for myself, and I want to continue my career and keep growing as a player. And he knows that I want to focus on that. So, he decided to do that.”
Bronny added that he will be excited to see and play against his father on Christmas.
Savannah James revealed how STRESSFUL it’s been trying to keep her family together following LeBron James’ move to Philadelphia, as she now has to balance life between THREE DIFFERENT CITIES: New York, Philly, and Tucson
She also revealed that their daughter Zhuri chose to… pic.twitter.com/58MzyWT0fc
— Slime
(@ItsKingSlime) November 3, 2026
