Rachel Nichols warns LeBron James could lose out on proud ‘calling card’ with injury problems

Rachel Nichols on LeBron James’ ‘calling card’

James will earn $52.6 million for the 2025-26 NBA season as he enters the final year of his current contract with the Lakers.

It’s unseen for a 40-year-old star to take such a massive salary during the tail end of his career. However, NBA analyst Rachel Nichols explained to Sports Illustrated how LBJ has managed to do so.

“The fact that he is still playing at an All-NBA level, that he made All-NBA last year, that has been a real calling card of ‘LeBron’s still good, right, he still deserves that big salary that he wants,'” Nichols said.

Indeed, James holds the record for most All-NBA selections in league history by earning that honor 21 times.

A major reason behind that consistency is his fitness, but Nichols believes the Lakers star may miss out on earning the 22nd All-NBA selection of his career.

Rachel Nichols’ take on LeBron James’ injury

LeBron’s injury has met with a plethora of takes from NBA fans and experts alike. While some believe it’s an early sign that James will leave the Lakers, others think it’s a silver lining for the organization.

Nichols gave it an entirely different spin as she believes the injury could keep him from earning another All-NBA selection.

“Well, it’s going to be hard for him to make All-NBA if you start out the season missing that many games,” Nichols stated.

If that happens, James could lose out on a potential contract extension with the Lakers next summer. Even if he decides to test free agency, LeBron may have to take a discount on his next deal.