LeBron James graces the cover of TIME magazine in this striking portrait captured by photographer Mark C, with direction from Sean Morr. The iconic athlete and cultural force continues to command attention both on and off the court, making him a natural choice for one of the world’s most influential publications.

The creative team behind this shoot brought their A-game to every detail. LeBron James is styled by Brennan Rabb with makeup by Neicy Smalls, while the visual landscape was crafted by set designer Jack Avelithedon and lighting director B Nickleberry, with set assistants Khairi and Miere rounding out the production. This level of creative collaboration speaks to how seriously TIME took this moment—because when you’re shooting one of the most recognizable figures in sports and activism, every element matters.

What makes this cover particularly significant is the continued centering of Black excellence in mainstream media spaces. LeBron has never been just an athlete; he’s a businessman, philanthropist, and vocal advocate for his community. Seeing him on TIME’s cover, helmed by a talented crew of creatives, is a reminder of the power in our stories being told by people who understand the assignment and the culture behind it.