Will LeBron James still qualify for All-NBA honors in 2026? All possibilities explored

LeBron James’ long-running All-NBA streak is under threat as the league’s 65-game rule and the Lakers’ load management strategy leave him with almost no room for missed games.

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Injuries and back-to-back rest days could keep LeBron under the 65-game eligibility mark.

Even with enough games, a reduced offensive role may hurt his All-NBA chances.

The NBA's 65-game minimum requirement for players to earn big awards is putting LeBron James' All-NBA team honor in danger. After the Lakers icon missed the first 14 games because of a sciatica injury, he is almost out of leeway. James does have the leverage to miss more than three games to qualify for an All-NBA selection.

Tough time for LeBron James

James has received All-NBA honors since the 2004-05 season, his sophomore year. Last season, he appeared into the second team after averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds in 70 games. 

After joining Lakers in 2019, he has had four seasons in which he failed to play 65 games. With injuries and load management on the table, James might fail to reach the minimum requirement for games to continue his All-NBA streak.

The Lakers want LeBron James fit for the playoffs, so they often rest him in the first or second game of a back-to-back set. LA's first consecutive games 24 hours apart since James made a comeback will be in January. They will be in New Orleans on January 6 in San Antonio on January 7.

Less than a week later, the Lakers visit the Sacramento Kings before hosting the Atlanta Hawks. If LA manages James' workload, he will probably miss two of those matches.

In mid-January, the LA Lakers will travel to Portland before a home clash against the Toronto Raptors. From the time they face the Pelicans until they hosted the Raptors, the Lakers would have played eight games in 13 nights.

LeBron James' window to an All-NBA selection inches closer with every back-to-back game.

LeBron James faces tough competition to get All-NBA honors

Appearing in 65 games does not guarantee LeBron James an All-NBA selection. If he can not come close to what he averaged last season, the four-time MVP might not clinch any major award.

In his season debut on Tuesday against the Utah Jazz, James willingly played behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. The veteran amassed 11 points, 12 assists and three rebounds. Playing as a third option might not push him to an All-NBA nod.
 

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