LeBron James’ Historic 21-Year All-NBA Streak Comes To An End

Last Updated:May 25, 2026, 13:23 IST

LeBron James’ record streak of 21 straight All-NBA selections ended Sunday after the Lakers star missed the league’s 65-game eligibility cutoff.

LeBron James has spent more than two decades rewriting NBA history. On Sunday, though, one of his most remarkable streaks finally came to an end.

For the first time since his rookie season in 2003-04, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar was not named to an All-NBA team.

James entered the season holding the NBA record for most All-NBA selections with 21, along with a record 13 First Team appearances. The last time he missed out entirely, Shaquille O’Neal was still wearing Purple and Gold.

This time, the reason was not a dramatic decline in production.

The 65-Game Rule Strikes Again

James played just 60 regular-season games after missing the first 14 games of the campaign because of sciatica. That left him short of the NBA’s 65-game minimum requirement for postseason awards and honours.

The rule also ruled out Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

For Curry, it ended an eight-year streak of appearing on every All-NBA ballot, while Antetokounmpo also missed out after years of consistent inclusion.

Even at 41, James remained productive whenever he was on the floor. But availability ultimately decided his fate.

A New-Look All-NBA Lineup

The First Team reflected the NBA’s shifting landscape, led by Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic.

Also making the First Team were Victor Wembanyama and Cade Cunningham.

The Second Team featured Jaylen Brown, Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, Jalen Brunson and Donovan Mitchell.

Meanwhile, the Third Team included Tyrese Maxey, Jamal Murray, Jalen Johnson, Jalen Duren and Chet Holmgren.

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