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LeBron James Named « Athlete of the Century »: A Career That Goes Beyond Basketball!

LeBron James has been named "Athlete of the Century" by TIME magazine on the occasion of the launch of its TIME 100 Sports ranking. At 41, the Lakers superstar continues to accumulate honors while leaving a lasting impact well beyond the court.
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LeBron James Named « Athlete of the Century »: A Career That Goes Beyond Basketball!

May 7, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first half during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Photo Credit : © Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The four-time NBA champion adds yet another distinction to an already extraordinary career. TIME magazine chose the Los Angeles Lakers star to grace the cover of its first-ever TIME 100 Sports ranking, dedicated to the most influential figures in the world of sports. In this context, LeBron James was named the « Athlete of the Century. »

An Unprecedented Longevity at the Highest Level

At 41, the King has just completed his 23rd NBA season, still performing at a level close to the league’s best players. The all-time leading scorer in NBA history, the record-holder for All-NBA team selections, and the all-time leading scorer in playoff history, he continues to build on an already exceptional legacy.

When asked by TIME about his longevity, the Akron native explained that his motivation remains as strong as ever.

« It’s all about the mind. Where the mind goes, the body follows. When I’m no longer in love with the idea of arriving at arenas five hours before games to prepare my body, when I’m no longer in love with practice, I’ll know it’s over. Because then I’ll start to betray the game. »

For Steve Nash, two-time MVP and now LeBron’s partner on the Mind the Game podcast, his place in history is beyond question.

« He’s had the greatest career in NBA history. Combine his peak level of play with his longevity, and nobody comes close. »

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An Influence That Reaches Far Beyond Sports

TIME’s recognition is not based solely on his athletic achievements. LeBron James has also left his mark on his era through his economic, media, and social influence.

Having become in 2022 the first active NBA player to reach billionaire status according to Forbes, he has pursued numerous investments and strategic partnerships throughout his career. His early stake in Beats by Dre reportedly earned him tens of millions of dollars when the company was acquired by Apple in 2014.

He has also regularly spoken out on social issues. As early as 2012, following the death of Trayvon Martin, he publicly showed his support for the young man’s family alongside his Miami Heat teammates.

« Things that touch my soul have always been easy to express, » he explained.

For Todd Boyd, a professor at the University of Southern California, his influence extends well beyond basketball: « To say that LeBron is one of the most important athletes in American history, and one of the most influential Americans of the 21st century, is not an overstatement. »

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The Greatest Moment of His Career? Bronny.

Despite his championships, records, and off-court successes, LeBron James places another achievement above all else in his career: playing alongside his son Bronny with the Lakers. Having become the first father-son duo to play together in the NBA, the two wrote an unprecedented chapter in league history.

« Of everything I’ve accomplished in basketball, this is the greatest thing I’ve ever done. »

While this father-son relationship represents the pinnacle of his career in his own eyes, it is the entirety of his journey that TIME has honored with this distinction.

To grasp the scale of the recognition, one only needs to look at the other names featured by the outlet. In this ranking dedicated to the most iconic figures of modern sport, James stands above global legends such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Serena Williams. A recognition that illustrates the singular place he now occupies in the history of world sport, well beyond the borders of the NBA…

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LeBron James Named "Athlete of the Century": A Career That Goes Beyond Basketball! - BeBasket