LeBron James will not play for the Los Angeles Lakers against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night, which will end one of the most enduring and incredible streaks in NBA history.
James (left foot arthritis) has been ruled out of Tuesday's game at Crypto.com Arena, the second night of a back-to-back following the Lakers' loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday.
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James' management of his 41-year-old body means he will miss his 18th game of the 2025-26 season. That will bring an end to his unprecedented, record 21-year run of earning selection to one of the three All-NBA teams.
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. https://t.co/0DudWfcZNO
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 10, 2026
James -- whose 1,597 games played rank second in league history -- last failed to make an All-NBA squad in 2003-04, his rookie season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. His longevity has helped him shatter league records for minutes played, points scored and field goals made.
But this season, James is starting to lose his battle against Father Time. For the first time since his rookie year, James was not voted as a starter to the All-Star Game, though he will be a reserve instead. And now, his nagging injuries will render him unable to meet the NBA's 65-game threshold for postseason award eligibility.
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