According to ABS-CBN Sports, NBA icon LeBron James will miss a significant milestone as injury management forces him out of the Los Angeles Lakers’ rotation. The 41-year-old superstar has been ruled out of several key games due to left foot arthritis, effectively ending his record 21-year run of being eligible for season-end awards.
While LeBron was selected for his 22nd consecutive NBA All-Star Game, his inability to meet the league’s 65-game minimum for awards eligibility marks the end of an era. The Lakers’ medical staff confirmed that the “King” is focusing on longevity and being ready for a potential play-in or playoff push rather than individual accolades.
The news comes as Victor Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs recently routed the injury-depleted Lakers. Fans and analysts are now debating whether this season marks the definitive “passing of the torch” to the younger generation, as the league’s most durable player finally bows to the realities of age.
* Men’s Journal reported: “LeBron James among hefty list of injury absences; career streak comes to an end.”
* ESPN (via Shams Charania): “LeBron is managing a persistent foot issue; status for the All-Star game remains under evaluation.”
Echotitbits take:
It’s the end of an incredible statistical era. LeBron not being in the hunt for All-NBA honors feels surreal, but it’s a pragmatic move for the Lakers. The NBA’s 65-game rule was designed to stop “load management,” but for a 41-year-old, it’s simply a biological hurdle. Expect the All-Star game to serve as a ceremonial “thank you” to LeBron rather than a competitive showcase.
Source: Barrons — https://www.barrons.com/news/james-s-all-nba-streak-ends-as-lakers-rule-superstar-out-of-spurs-clash-f593b086 February 11, 2026
Photo Credit: Barrons
