Zhuri James celebrated her 12th birthday on Thursday, October 22, with a courtside seat beside her mother, Savannah James, as her father, LeBron James, faced the Philadelphia 76ers against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The birthday girl received a surprise message during the game when her celebration appeared on the arena’s Jumbotron: “HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZHURI!”
Savannah shared the sweet moment on her Instagram Stories, capturing Zhuri’s reaction from the stands.
“Thank you,” Zhuri said, before adding with awe, “It’s really big.”
The NBA and LeBron also posted a video of Zhuri enjoying the game from the crowd. Dressed in a Sixers jersey over a white long-sleeved shirt and jeans, she smiled and waved when the camera found her.
The words “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Z!” appeared over the footage, which carried the caption, “Happy 12th Birthday, Zhuri James!”
Savannah and LeBron marked the occasion online as well. Savannah uploaded a collection of photos featuring her daughter and wrote, “Happiest Birthday Zhuri Nova!!!!”
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LeBron shared one of the photos to his Instagram Stories, adding the affectionate message, “HBD PRINCESS !! Love you Mama Face!!!”
Although Zhuri enjoys basketball, volleyball has become her main sport. LeBron is a regular presence at her matches and showed off her athletic ability in February by posting a video of the young player delivering a powerful spike.
Zhuri also attracted attention for her basketball talent while attending one of LeBron’s away games that month. When asked whether she might follow her father into the sport, LeBron clarified that volleyball remained her priority while joking about Savannah’s feelings toward basketball.
“She’s a volleyball player, don’t get my wife mad. My wife is done with basketball, she’s done with it,” he said.
Zhuri is the youngest of LeBron and Savannah James’ three children and their only daughter. Her older brothers, Bronny, 22, and Bryce, 19, both play basketball.