The Los Angeles Lakers continue to search for consistency heading into the All-Star Break. Despite currently having a solid playoff standing, there are still questions regarding whether the team can truly make a run in what could be LeBron James’ final season.
While James continues to keep his options open, multiple NBA insiders recently made a shocking announcement that will lead to even more questions.
LeBron James Now Ineligible For End-Of-Season Awards
Multiple NBA insiders revealed that James is out for the Lakers’ upcoming home game against the San Antonio Spurs, ending his qualifications for end-of-season awards, and end his steak of making 21 straight All-NBA teams.
Dan Woike said, “LeBron James is out tonight, pushing him below the 65-game threshold. He will not be eligible for end of the season awards.”
Brett Siegel wrote, “This will be Lebron’s 18th absence of the season. LeBron James’ streak of 21 straight years being named an All-NBA performer has ended.”
This will be LeBron’s 18th absence of the season.
He is no longer eligible for end-of-season honors and awards.
LeBron James’ streak of 21 straight years being named an All-NBA performer has ended. https://t.co/otOAEehLGV
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) February 10, 2026
Woike notes that James will not play in the Lakers’ upcoming game against the San Antonio Spurs due to left foot arthritis. James missed the start of the season while dealing with sciatica. He’s averaging 21.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game this season, and was recently named to the All-Star Team for the 22nd time.
James has often talked about trying to fight off father time, but this latest announcement that he will not be eligible for any end-of-season awards feels like he’s lost the latest battle. It’s surreal for many fans who have watched James their entire lives that he won’t be honored this season.
James’s ruling as ineligible is sure to spark more criticism of the 65-Game rule, introduced a few years ago. While the rule was initially praised as a way to stop star players from sitting out games even when healthy due to load management, the fan reaction has been a little more mixed over the last two seasons.
Denver Nuggets franchise player Nikola Jokic finds himself on the bubble after missing extended time this season with a hyperextended left knee, prompting more discussion about the rule. Woike notes the Lakers will also be without Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves against the Spurs, which makes them underdogs.
The Lakers finish their schedule before the break against the Dallas Mavericks and could fall to sixth in the standings if they lose to the Spurs and the Mavericks.
