LeBron James ends historic 21-year streak after missing too many games this season

LeBron James made his Los Angeles Lakers season debut last night, starting year 23 with a win over the Utah Jazz. Nick Wright, Chris Broussard, and Kevin Wildes discuss how impressive this was for LeBron, and how much pressure is on Patrick Mahome...

LeBron James’ latest absence for the Los Angeles Lakers ended a 21-year streak that might not be rivaled in NBA history.

James has officially hit 18 missed games this season, as he sits out Tuesday against the San Antonio Spurs. As a result, James won’t be able to hit the 65-game minimum needed to be considered for league awards, as per the collective bargaining agreement.

So, for the first time since 2004, James won’t be on the All-NBA teams.

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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James appears during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz, on Feb. 10, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)

What didn’t help James’ case was missing the first 14 games of the 2025-26 season due to sciatica. Given James is 41 years old, there was always going to be load management absences, especially on back-to-backs.

That is the case in this Tuesday night matchup, as the Lakers are on the second night of a back-to-back after losing to the league-best Oklahoma City Thunder, 119-110, on Monday night in Los Angeles.

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James’ injury designation is currently left foot arthritis, and head coach JJ Redick is also dealing with Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and Marcus Smart all ruled out, forcing him to get creative with his lineup in this game.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James dunks during the second half in