LeBron James goes completely bald in dramatic new look at TIME100 Sports Gala

Jul 17, 2026 - 13:40

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LeBron James goes completely bald in dramatic new look at TIME100 Sports Gala originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

LeBron James has experimented with his hair throughout his legendary NBA career, but the 41-year-old finally committed to a completely shaved look for a major appearance in New York City.

A new LeBron James era may have officially arrived. James walked the red carpet at the inaugural TIME100 Sports Gala in New York City on Thursday night sporting a completely shaved head, giving the NBA’s all-time leading scorer a dramatically different appearance.

The four-time NBA champion attended the event with his wife, Savannah James. The couple coordinated in all-black outfits, but it was impossible to miss the biggest change in LeBron’s look. James has worn his hair closely cropped for years and has joked about his changing hairline on multiple occasions. He has even teased a fully bald look in the past, only to return with at least some hair remaining.

This time, James appeared to go all the way. Hoop Central shared a photo of the couple from the event, writing, “LeBron James and Savannah James at the TIME 100 party.”

The post immediately attracted attention, with the combination of James’ shaved head and gray beard giving him a noticeably different look as he prepares for his 24th NBA season.

LeBron James debuts shaved head amid free agency decision

James’ new appearance comes during one of the most fascinating offseasons of his career. The 41-year-old is currently deciding where he will play after ending his eight-year run with the Los Angeles Lakers. James said Thursday that he will not keep everyone waiting much longer, but he did not reveal which teams he is seriously considering.

LeBron James and Savannah James at the TIME 100 party. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/eM9QeKPLbS
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 17, 2026

His decision has become so important that NBA commissioner Adam Silver admitted it is affecting the construction of the 2026-27 schedule.

“We have to finish up the schedule and where LeBron plays affects the schedule,” Silver said. “It will influence how we set the schedule, opening week, Christmas.”

James also acknowledged that he could be entering the final one or two seasons of his career. Wherever he signs, his debut with a new team would immediately become one of the most anticipated games of the season. The shaved head could make that eventual introduction feel even more like a fresh start.

MORE: Latest rumors, reports on LeBron James' next destination

LeBron James honored at TIME100 Sports Gala

James was not simply attending the TIME100 Sports Gala as a guest. He was the cover star of TIME’s inaugural list of the 100 most influential people in sports and was honored as the “Athlete of the Century.” During his speech, James discussed the power of sports and thanked the USC medical staff that helped save his son Bronny after he suffered cardiac arrest in 2023.

The gala brought together some of the biggest names in sports, including Stephen Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Brunson, Lindsey Vonn, Ciara, Russell Wilson, Myles Garrett, Chloe Kim and Alex Morgan. Even in that star-packed group, James managed to create one of the evening’s most memorable moments without saying a word.

Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant made the fully shaved head part of their iconic appearances. After more than two decades in the NBA, James may finally be following their lead.