LeBron James might be ineligible for the NBA postseason awards after the Los Angeles Lakers superstar missed the game against the San Antonio Spurs, and his historic 21-year streak is under threat. The 41-year-old currently has a 21-season streak of being named to an All-NBA team, but the record dosnt seems to be untouchable anymore.
LeBron James at risk of being ineligible for NBA awards; Here’s why
James has been a mainstay in the league awards for two decades, but if he misses one game, the former Cleveland Cavaliers’ record might come to an end this season. This includes his disqualification for the postseason awards and his selection to the All-NBA or All-Star teams.
The National Basketball League requires a minimum of 65 games in the regular season to be eligible for the award. The Lakers forward did not play when JJ Redick’s side lost 91-107 against the Spurs on Wednesday night.
The NBA icon was downgraded to out about an hour and a half ahead of the clash as he was recovering from left foot joint arthritis and right sciatica. Jarred Vanderbilt started in place of the player. James has entered his 23rd season in the NBA after missing the entire first month of the season.
James was sidelined for the first 14 games due to sciatica that affects his lower back and down his right leg. The Lakers legend is yet to play in both legs of back-to-back games since making his return. On Tuesday, LeBron played only 33 minutes in the team’s 111-103 win against the New Orleans Pelicans.
The 17-time NBA champions won't rush with the player until he feels 100% fit to play back-to-backs. James has been named to both teams for 21 seasons in a row. The only time he failed to make it to an All-NBA or All-Star team was in his rookie year in 2003-04. It remains to be seen if the Lakers forward can keep his historic streak alive.