In the latest NBA weekly honors, Los Angeles Lakers’ talisman LeBron James narrowly missed out on the Western Conference Player of the Week award for December 18th-24th, losing to the dynamic point guard of the Memphis Grizzlies, Ja Morant. Despite an impressive individual performance from James, Morant’s stellar play and leadership on the court secured him the coveted accolade.

LeBron’s Outstanding Week

In a week where the Lakers faced challenging opponents, LeBron James showcased his enduring excellence on the basketball court. Across three games, despite the team finishing with a 1-2 record, James averaged an impressive 30 points with shooting splits of .541/.500/.941. Not only did he contribute offensively, but he also displayed his well-rounded game with 9.3 rebounds, nine assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks per contest, all while logging 37.8 minutes per game.

LeBron James, a veteran and one of the greatest players in NBA history, has amassed an astonishing 67 Player of the Week awards throughout his illustrious career. This recent miss may be a small setback, but it does little to diminish James’ legacy as one of the most decorated players in the league.

Ja Morant’s Resurgence

Since returning from a league suspension spanning 25 games, Ja Morant has been on a tear, guiding the Memphis Grizzlies to an impressive 3-0 record during the past week. The 6’2″ point guard, known for his electrifying athleticism and playmaking ability, averaged 28 points on .508/.182/.842 shooting splits, along with nine assists and 5.7 rebounds per game.

Morant’s impact on the court has been instrumental in Memphis’ recent success, demonstrating why he deserved the Player of the Week accolade. The Grizzlies have emerged as a formidable force in the Western Conference, and Morant’s contributions have been a key factor in their ascent.

Competitive Field

The NBA is filled with exceptional talent, and the competition for weekly awards is fierce. Alongside LeBron James and Ja Morant, several other standout players were in contention for the Western Conference Player of the Week award. Notable names include Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets, and Domantas Sabonis of the Sacramento Kings.

While LeBron James fell short in his bid for the Western Conference Player of the Week award, his consistent brilliance on the court remains undeniable. As the Lakers continue their season, James will undoubtedly have more opportunities to showcase his skills and add to his impressive collection of individual accolades. Meanwhile, Ja Morant’s resurgence and impact on the Memphis Grizzlies serve as a testament to the rising star’s growing influence in the league. The NBA, with its ever-evolving narratives, promises more exciting matchups and individual performances as the season unfolds.

James stands as the initial active NBA player to achieve billionaire status, with Forbes approximating his net worth at $1 billion as of June 2022. Raised by a 16-year-old single mother, he experienced a diverse living arrangement with various family members, friends, neighbors, and even his youth football coach before being selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2003 draft.

Accumulating a substantial income throughout his career, James is reported to have earned over $430 million in pretax salary from his tenures with the Cavaliers, the Miami Heat, and his current team, the Los Angeles Lakers. Beyond his on-court earnings, he has garnered over $900 million in pretax income from business ventures and endorsement deals with prominent brands such as PepsiCo, Walmart, and Nike, according to Forbes estimates.

A pivotal factor in attaining his billionaire status has been James’ approach beyond being a mere spokesperson. He has strategically taken equity stakes in the brands he associates with, including Beats by Dre and the rapidly expanding Blaze Pizza chain.

Notably, James’ impact extends beyond his financial success. His LeBron James Family Foundation made a significant philanthropic move by establishing its inaugural elementary school in 2018. Committed to supporting education, the foundation has pledged over $40 million to facilitate college education opportunities for children, showcasing James’ dedication to making a positive impact beyond the basketball court.

Who is Savannah James, LeBron James’ Wife?

Savannah James, the wife of LeBron James, has been his steadfast companion since their high school days. Hailing from Akron, Ohio, the couple exchanged vows in 2013 and are proud parents to three children: LeBron “Bronny” James Jr., Bryce Maximus, and Zhuri Nova.

As LeBron’s illustrious NBA career has soared over the years, the basketball icon, fondly known as King James by his fans, has consistently emphasized that his success would be incomplete without his queen by his side.

In a landmark moment in February 2023, Savannah joyously celebrated her husband’s achievement of becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record. The couple, along with friends and family, gathered on the court at Crypto.com Arena to commemorate this historic milestone. Additionally, Savannah expressed her pride through a heartfelt congratulatory video for LeBron, acknowledging his unwavering dedication and hard work:

“I am so proud of you. I witness day in and day out the hard work, the sacrifice, and the professionalism that you put into this game every day. I know that this was not something you set out to do, but you’ve done it, and you should congratulate yourself, you should celebrate yourself. You deserve all the respect. It couldn’t be happening to a better, more dedicated person. I love you.”

LeBron returned the sentiment of appreciation in July when he received the ESPY award for the best record-breaking performance, specifically acknowledging Savannah’s sacrifices and hard work for their family:

“For our family, no one has sacrificed more and put in more hard work to support this family more than you, and I appreciate you for that, love you.”

Despite her admitted nervousness on the red carpet or during TV appearances, Savannah has been carving her own path with personal business ventures and a commitment to philanthropy, especially in supporting young people. To delve deeper into the life of LeBron’s high school sweetheart, continue reading and discover more about Savannah James.

Also read : James Harden reached his 25,000th career point