Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

LeBron James Facing Tough Reality Amid Injury News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Nov 30, 2025 12:16 PM ET

LeBron James made his long-anticipated return to the Los Angeles Lakers roster on Nov. 18 after missing the first 14 games of the season with a right-side sciatica issue. In his four appearances since returning, he has averaged 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 8.3 assists while helping stabilize a Lakers team that had already got off to an impressive start.

His rhythm looked to be building steadily, but that momentum came to a halt on Sunday when the Lakers held him out of their matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans. James had been listed as questionable earlier in the day, but the team ultimately decided to sit him on the front end of a back-to-back with the Phoenix Suns on deck Monday.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23).Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The timing and nature of the decision carry far bigger implications than just one missed game. James’ 21-year streak of All-NBA selections – the longest in league history – is now under genuine threat.

Under the NBA’s availability rules, players must appear in 65 games to qualify for major awards and honors. Entering Sunday, James could afford just three more absences the rest of the season. By sitting him against the Pelicans, that margin shrinks to two, placing enormous pressure on his availability from this point forward.

LeBron James has been downgraded to out, per the Lakers. LAL plays the second night of a back-to-back Monday vs. PHX https://t.co/Z2F69xPjeQ
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 30, 2025

Complicating matters further is the Lakers’ remaining schedule, which still includes seven back-to-backs. It remains unclear whether head coach JJ Redick will push James through both legs of those sets or opt to manage him conservatively in hopes of keeping him healthy for a postseason run.

Los Angeles has made no secret of its championship ambitions this year, and preserving James, who turns 41 in December, may ultimately outweigh chasing individual accolades.

In the short term, the Lakers will once again turn to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves to anchor the offense as they attempt to extend their winning streak to seven games.

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

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