TIME's annual list of the most influential people of the year was revealed today, featuring a number of actors, athletes, artists and politicians broken down into the following five categories: Pioneers, Artists, Leaders, Icons, and Titans.
Among the honorees was Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, who was written about by billionaire tycoon Warren Buffett.
Buffett says he first met the four-time NBA MVP over 10 years ago while filming a skit for his company, Berkshire Hathaway. In the article, he applauded James' "leadership skills, his sharp mind and ability to stay grounded" and concluded, "you’re just seeing the start of LeBron."
"I first met LeBron James more than a decade ago, when we filmed a skit for a Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting. I beat him in basketball in the video, so it was clearly comedy. We had a good time, and since that day, I’ve been impressed with his leadership skills, his sharp mind and his ability to stay grounded. People in LeBron’s position get tugged in different directions and have a lot of chances to make bad decisions. He’s kept his head, and that’s not easy.
Early heroes will mold a person’s future. LeBron has justified the adulation of millions and millions of young people, thanks to his ability to live up to enormous expectations on the basketball court, his business successes in Hollywood and media, and his new I Promise School for disadvantaged kids in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. That adulation will make a positive difference in their lives. And you know what else is exciting? As great as he has been so far—on and off the court—you’re just seeing the start of LeBron."
Check out the full TIME 100 list here.