TIME Magazine has selected Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James as the cover subject of its special issue highlighting the 100 most influential people in sports, the publication announced this week.
The honor follows a landmark 23rd NBA season for James, who at 41 became the first player in league history to complete 23 campaigns. Despite the Lakers losing star guard Luka Dončić to injury, James helped the team secure a first-round playoff victory.
James acknowledged the recognition on social media shortly after the cover was unveiled on June 9, 2026, writing, “Beyond Grateful and Blessed!!” on X (formerly Twitter).
Free-agency decision looms
The feature story revisits the four-time champion’s career and renews speculation about his next step. For the first time, James enters unrestricted free agency without a player option, leaving three key questions: whether he will pursue a 24th season at age 42, what salary he is willing to accept, and which team he might join if he continues playing.
Speaking recently about retirement, the NBA’s all-time scoring leader stressed that his choice depends on his outlook rather than physical readiness. “Where the mind goes, the body will lay,” James said. “When I’m not in love with getting to the arenas on game days five hours before to start my preparation, if I’m out of love with getting to practice 2½ hours beforehand, then I know I’ll be done. Because then I’m going to start cheating the game.”
James has indicated he hopes to reach a decision within the next few weeks, a timeline that would give the Lakers clarity before the NBA’s free-agency period begins.
Source: Lakers Nation
