LeBron James' most impressive streak will likely end this season

The undermanned Los Angeles Lakers couldn't keep up with Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.

Luka Doncic can only do so much on his own, and with Austin Reaves nursing an injury and LeBron James sitting on the back end of a back-to-back, the outcome was somewhat predictable.

However, that wasn't even the most important piece of news of the day. As pointed out by Spotrac insider Keith Smith, James' absence could have major consequences down the road. Now, he cannot miss another game this season, or he won't be eligible for any award or distinction.

LeBron James' All-NBA streak will likely end at 21 seasons 

"ESPN just announced that LeBron James is out tonight at the Spurs," Smith wrote on X. "If James misses another game this season, he's no longer eligible for postseason awards. That would end his historic All-NBA run at 21 consecutive seasons."

James has already admitted that his availability for back-to-backs will be "to be determined," and the Lakers will probably take it on a game-by-game basis for the remainder of the season.

That leaves little to no margin for error there, and with the Lakers still having 47 games left, it's hard to believe James won't have to sit out again. The 65-game threshold has been a controversial rule change, with some fans arguing that the best players should get recognition, regardless of availability.

Whatever the case, James has already earned his stripes in the NBA, and no amount of All-NBA selections or snubs can change his legacy at this point.