LeBron James’ remarkable run of 21 consecutive All-NBA selections is set to end this season, marking the first time since his rookie year that he will not make one of the league’s top teams. The Los Angeles Lakers star will miss his 18th game of the season on Tuesday against the San Antonio Spurs due to left foot arthritis, ruling him out of eligibility for postseason awards.
Under current NBA rules, players must appear in at least 65 games to qualify for All-NBA consideration. James, who did not make his season debut until November 18, can no longer reach that threshold. Even though he has averaged a respectable 21.8 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game in his 23rd season, his absences mean he will not be part of the All-NBA conversation this year.
LeBron James wearing the “Out for Redemption” LeBron 23’s inspired by the 2008 Redeem Team 🥇https://t.co/hTbiNZBlAA pic.twitter.com/PzaQaurfyj
— JustFreshKicks (@JustFreshKicks) February 10, 2026
James’ streak of 21 straight selections from 2005 to 2025 is one of the most extraordinary achievements in league history. He first earned All-NBA honors in just his second season and remarkably maintained that elite level of performance well into his late 30s and even at age 40. The next closest streak belongs to Kobe Bryant, who made 15 consecutive All-NBA teams from 1999 to 2013. Other legends like Karl Malone (14), Tim Duncan (13), and Shaquille O’Neal (13) also fall well short of James’ unprecedented mark.
OTD in 2021 – LeBron James and Anthony Davis Combine for 63 Points to lead the Lakers to a 20pt comeback win over the Grizzlies
LeBron 28 pts 9 Rebs 8 ast
AD 35 pts 9 Rebs pic.twitter.com/qKYoqx4l9w— Lukas (@KBsLakeShow24) February 12, 2026
The 65-game minimum has made such longevity even harder to sustain. Giannis Antetokounmpo, who holds the longest active streak with nine straight selections, will also miss out this season due to games missed. Nikola Jokić, with seven straight appearances, is nearing ineligibility as well. With increasing competition and stricter eligibility rules, James’ 21-year All-NBA streak may stand untouched for decades. Its conclusion signals not just the end of a record, but a reminder that the legendary LeBron era is gradually winding down.
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