LeBron James has been honored as TIME’s “Athlete of the Century,” gracing the cover of the magazine’s first-ever compilation of the 100 Most Influential People in Sports.
TIME emphasizes that James’ influence extends well beyond his basketball prowess. Beyond achieving status as the NBA’s all-time top scorer and clinching four championships, James has cultivated a worldwide business network, advocated for social justice, and significantly contributed to education and philanthropy, notably with his I PROMISE School initiative.
In a profile accompanying the accolade, James pondered his legacy within the realm of basketball and addressed the heated debate over who truly stands as the greatest player in history.
“I’m not taking nobody over me,” he confidently stated when the topic of the GOAT—Greatest of All Time—conversation arose.
Despite ongoing speculation about his career’s trajectory in the NBA, James acknowledged that his family’s influence is increasingly shaping his thoughts on what lies ahead in his life.
“I’ve spent a lot of time sacrificing,” James told TIME. “I spent a lot of time putting in the work of my own individual craft, and I’ve had to give up a lot of family time.”
The father of three said he looks forward to dedicating more time to his wife, Savannah James, and their children, Bronny, Bryce, and Zhuri whenever his playing career comes to an end.
“So a big part of the next 10 years won’t be me getting it back, because you can’t get time back,” he explained. “But my daughter is 11 years old. I’m going to pour into her. I’m going to pour into my wife. Because I wanted to be the greatest that ever played this game, I’ve had to not be the complete husband and complete dad that I want to be.”
One family milestone, however, already stands above everything else he has accomplished on the court.
In 2024, James and his eldest son, Bronny James, made NBA history as the league’s first father-son duo to play together and record assists to one another during a game.
“Out of all the sh-t I’ve done in basketball,” James said, “that’s the best accomplishment I’ve ever had.”
James also addressed criticism surrounding Bronny’s path to the NBA, making it clear that he will always defend his children.
“The kid has earned his right to be a professional athlete,” he said. “The thing you’re not going to do is throw stones at us as a family. I’m not letting that sh-t slide, because I know what I’ve created because of what I didn’t have. So if you want to talk about the kid, that he shouldn’t be an NBA player, I don’t care about that. As long as you don’t get to the fatherhood piece. I don’t play those games.”