TIME@TIME
“My proudest achievement? Being a present father.”
Already the leading scorer in NBA history, basketball star LeBron James once again produced at an All-Star level in 2025–26, his 23rd NBA season. When we asked James how much longer he wants to keep playing, the question many fans wonder, he said “it’s up to the mind.”
Add in his off-court accomplishments, and James may be the most influential athlete of the past half-century. In the decades before his arrival, super star athletes mostly stayed in their lane. James ushered in the era of player empowerment, showing that you can start companies, mix it up in politics, and elevate the people around you—all while playing like the GOAT of your game.
Today, James leads TIME100 Sports, the list recognizing those shaping the sports today. Read the exclusive interview with the basketball star and see the full list here: time-magazine.visitlink.me/udUXTN