LeBron James was named TIME's athlete of the century at the 2026 TIME100 Sports Gala in New York City, where the NBA icon was honored by the magazine.
Athletes from across American sport attended the event in Manhattan, held one night after the ESPYS also took place in the city.
In off-the-cuff remarks, James talked about the importance of sports to him and to others in the room, and reflected on how the Covid pandemic proved the value of competing.
Bronny's cardiac scare at USC
James also opened up about a cardiac scare his eldest son, Bronny, experienced as a freshman at USC. "We just had the story obviously with [Buffalo Bills safety] Damar [Hamlin], those guys come up here talking about cardiac arrest, how important that is. Our son went through something like that a few years ago at USC," James recalled.
"And obviously if it wasn't for the coaching staff and the medical team and everybody at USC being there in a timely fashion, we possibly be sitting here without our son, our oldest son," James said. "So thank you to everybody and all the efforts when it comes to cardiac arrest. Guys, take that serious. If you got kids in elementary, you got kids in middle school, kids in high school, colleges, make sure they have these devices available where you can get 'em, practice 'em."
"It's very important, super, super important. Obviously, we know how important it is to our family, so we're a big advocate of that," James added.
Next team still a mystery
James had been in New York earlier that day at Fanatics Fest, but just as at the TIME gala, he did not reveal his next NBA destination. He told the crowd there that he "won't hold you guys up too much longer" when it comes to choosing his next team.
James later hosted a live episode of his "Mind the Game" podcast alongside co-host Tyrese Haliburton, where a packed audience clamored for him to "pick a team." "It's going to be fun wherever I land," James replied.
Stars on the red carpet
Winter Olympics figure skater Alysa Liu wore a black lace gown while flashing her signature piercings.
Fellow Milan Cortina Olympian Chloe Kim was spotted with her boyfriend, recent Los Angeles Rams trade acquisition Myles Garrett.
Women's soccer star Trinity Rodman wore plate armor adorned with a pink skirt, and was photographed next to musician Ciara, who attended with retired NFL quarterback Russell Wilson.
New York Knicks star and NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson attended with his wife, Ali. Skiing icon Lindsey Vonn also walked the carpet, months after breaking her leg on the slopes of Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, was also in attendance and was photographed alongside TIME Magazine CEO Jessica Sibley.