LeBron James Ineligible For All-NBA Team After Missing 18th Game Of Season, Ending 21-Year Streak

After sitting out on Feb. 10, LeBron James will be ineligible to make an All-NBA team, ending his 21-season streak of making an All-NBA team.

Before the 2023-24 season, the NBA added a new rule that disqualified players from winning major awards if they didn’t play at least 65 games. This rule was created to discourage player load management and excessive player rest. Between missing the start of the season with an injury and rest days, James has already missed 18 games this season.

James is averaging 22 points, six rebounds, and seven assists this season. His scoring average is his lowest since his rookie season. Despite this, he was named an All-Star reserve. 

James first made the All-NBA team in 2004-05, where he averaged 27 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. 20 seasons later, he averaged 24 points, eight rebounds and eight assists to make the All-NBA team at age 40. 

In between that streak, he’s won four MVPs, four Finals MVPs and got MVP votes in 19 seasons. 

James has not committed to play after this season, but has also not announced any plans to retire. He’s in the second year of a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. James is currently the longest-tenured player to ever play in the NBA. 

James is currently dealing with a foot injury. Despite this, he has not been replaced on the All-Star roster. He’s expected to represent Team USA-B in the 2026 NBA All-Star game. Team USA-B has already made a roster replacement, with Stephen Curry being replaced by Brandon Ingram.  

After the All-Star break, the Lakers will look to focus on securing a playoff spot. They currently hold the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference with a 32-21 record. The Phoenix Suns are just a half-game back of them at the No. 7 seed.