LeBron James is on the verge of losing one of his most impressive NBA streaks. For 21 straight seasons, he’s made an All-NBA team – the longest such run in league history. This remarkable consistency has defined his career even more than his scoring records. But this year, new league rules and the Lakers’ challenging schedule might finally end the streak.
James did manage to protect another historic achievement on November 18. With a simple layup against Utah in the third quarter, he reached 11 points and extended his double-digit scoring streak to an incredible 1,294 consecutive games.
That’s nearly 18 years of scoring at least 10 points every time he steps on the court.
But keeping his All-NBA streak alive will be much tougher.
The 65-Game Challenge
The NBA recently changed its eligibility rules. Players now must appear in at least 65 games to qualify for All-NBA honors.
This is where things get tricky for LeBron. He’s already missed the first 14 games of the season with sciatica – a painful nerve condition affecting his lower back and right side. That early absence means he can only miss three more games for the rest of the regular season, which ends April 12.
The Lakers still have 11 back-to-backs left on their schedule.
Age vs. Availability
Rich Paul, LeBron’s agent, told ESPN he hasn’t discussed the All-NBA situation with his client. But he was straightforward about the reality of the situation.
“At 41 years of age, I hope he is not playing back-to-backs,” Paul said.
While teams often limit veterans with injury histories, age-based restrictions aren’t common. The Warriors recently decided Al Horford wouldn’t play back-to-backs, but applying a similar rule to LeBron seems unlikely given his approach to the game.
Last season, James emphasized the importance of being available: “To be a leader… your availability is very key.”
The Bigger Picture
Lakers coach JJ Redick understands the value of the All-NBA award – he even voted James to the Third Team last season as a media member. But Redick has also noted that another selection wouldn’t really change LeBron’s legacy at this point.
A fifth championship ring would mean far more.
LeBron’s game-to-game status will be a collaborative decision between Redick, James himself, his longtime trainer Mike Mancias, and Dr. Leroy Sims. If he somehow manages to play 65 of the final 68 games, it would be remarkable. And if he earns All-NBA recognition again at 41, it would just be one more historic achievement in a career that’s already full of them.
