LeBron James will miss his 18th game of the season on Tuesday night against the San Antonio Spurs, ending his record 21-year streak of All-NBA selections. The Los Angeles Lakers star is sidelined by left foot arthritis on the second night of a back-to-back after a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. This absence drops him below the NBA's 65-game threshold for award eligibility.
LeBron James, in his 23rd NBA season at age 41, has been managing injuries carefully, including a delayed debut on November 18. His current averages stand at 21.8 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game, but regular absences have accumulated to 17 missed games before Tuesday's matchup.
The decision to sit out against the Spurs at Crypto.com Arena ensures James falls short of the league's 65-game minimum required for All-NBA consideration. This marks the first time since his 2003-04 rookie season with the Cleveland Cavaliers that he will not earn an All-NBA nod, snapping a streak that began in his second year.
James' longevity is unparalleled, with 1,597 games played—second in NBA history—and records for minutes, points, and field goals made. Last season, at age 40, he still made an All-NBA team, but this year's injuries, including left foot arthritis, have prevented a repeat.
The streak's end highlights the challenges of sustained excellence. Kobe Bryant's 15 consecutive All-NBA selections are the next longest, followed by Karl Malone and Tim Duncan at 14 each. Current stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo (nine straight) and Nikola Jokić (seven) are also at risk of ineligibility due to missed games.
ESPN's Dave McMenamin noted on social media: "Tonight will be LeBron James’ 18th missed game, which will stop him from reaching the 65-game threshold to be eligible for season awards. His All-NBA streak will end at 21 seasons."
James was not voted a starter for the All-Star Game this year but will participate as a reserve. The NBA's eligibility rules, combined with the league's talent depth, make matching his mark unlikely.
