LeBron James Approaching Disqualification From NBA Honor

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated Jan 7, 2026 10:31 PM ET

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James continues to defy the odds and he is still not giving in to Father Time.

James is in his 23rd NBA season and is 41 years old. This is his eighth season with the Lakers, and he has shown no signs of slowing down whatsoever.

On Tuesday night, James scored 30 points with eight rebounds and eight assists in a 111-103 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

On Wednesday, the Lakers played the second game of a back-to-back against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs, but James was listed as questionable before being ruled out before the tipoff.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23).Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

James has played just 18 games in 2025-26 after missing the start of the season due to sciatica.

And, after missing Wednesday's game, he is now in danger of missing out on All-NBA honors.

"With LeBron out vs. San Antonio on Wednesday night, if he misses one more game this season he will be ineligible for post-season awards. James currently has a 21-season streak of being named to an All-NBA team."

With LeBron out vs. San Antonio on Wednesday night, if he misses one more game this season he will be ineligible for post-season awards.

James currently has a 21-season streak of being named to an All-NBA team pic.twitter.com/qNcX7A4EXq
— ESPN (@espn) January 8, 2026

The only year James didn't make the All-Star team or the All-NBA team was in his rookie season in 2003-04. Since then, he has been on both teams every single season.

The NBA requires a minimum of 65 games played in the regular season to be eligible for the award.

After Tuesday's win, James joked that he would always be "TBD" in back-to-backs because he is 41 years old, so he might not be too worried about the All-NBA streak coming to an end.

The Lakers have another back-to-back on Jan. 12 and Jan. 13, so that should be an indication of how James views this streak.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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