NBA’s 65-Game Rule Captures LeBron James As Its Next Victim, Ends 21-Year Streak

LeBron James missing a lot of games this season due to injuries has started to affect several of his statistical streaks.

NBA’s 65-Game Rule Captures LeBron James As Its Next Victim, Ends 21-Year Streak

LeBron James to miss his 18th game this season (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • LeBron James will miss his 18th game of the season, ending a 21-year streak of eligibility for end-of-season awards.
  • The NBA's 65-game rule disqualifies him from receiving any awards this season.
  • Former rival Joakim Noah acknowledges LeBron's greatness despite past competition.

LeBron James has been either setting new records or extending ones he already has his name on as he continues to play basketball in the 2025-26 season.

This season, sciatica first kept the superstar from stretching his streak of preseason training camps and from playing on opening day. But he shrugged it off, suggesting it was better that he was healthy for the grind that was coming his way.

For someone who has played the most playoff minutes and has all those regular-season games under his belt, the mileage on his body has surprised many.

Despite that, he returned to the court and then proved why the lack of an offseason training camp is crucial. The Akron native ended his 10-point scoring record after visibly struggling with his conditioning.

After taking time out, the King came back strong and has since been on a tear. However, as per the latest Los Angeles Lakers’ injury report, LeBron James will miss their game against the San Antonio Spurs.

Since that will be the 18th game he misses this season, the 41-year-old ends another streak. For 21 straight years, the four-time champion has been eligible for end-of-season awards.

Now, as per the NBA’s controversial 65-game rule, James will not be eligible for anything. His All-Star record remains intact, and he is still performing well.

His numbers may not place him favorably for any of the top awards. However, his streak of All-NBA selections is over, and so would any other statistic.

Former rival gives LeBron James his flowers

Even though LeBron James‘ records are slowly coming to a stop, there is no doubt about his greatness, something even some of his staunchest rivals have started to accept.

Joakim Noah and LeBron James had some heated battles
Joakim Noah and LeBron James had some heated battles (Image via Aaron Myers/X)

Definitely greatness… You gotta give credit when credit is due. It’s tough because he is somebody who took me out of the playoffs over and over again. But I’m able now as a retired player to look at it and appreciate something different than just a competitor.

Joakim Noah said on SportsCenter

This was the former Chicago Bulls center’s opinion, which has evidently changed over time. In the past, Joakim Noah used to reveal his displeasure towards the now-Los Angeles Lakers superstar.

After all, James was responsible for stopping Noah’s stellar Chicago Bulls squad from fulfilling their potential. He, along with franchise legends Derrick Rose, Carlos Boozer, and Taj Gibson, was supposed to bring them a championship.

But in their efforts to earn the city its first Larry O’Brien trophy since the great Michael Jordan won six, they fell flat. That is because they had to face LeBron James, then playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Miami Heat.

Stephen A. Smith opines on LeBron James’ Lakers comment

Before missing the game against the San Antonio Spurs, LeBron James and his Lakers faced the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. They lost despite the latter not fielding reigning league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

After the game, the father of three’s comments dismissing his team as not being championship-ready sparked debate. Longtime foe, Stephen A. Smith, decided to address it on First Take.

No wonder you haven’t seen JJ Redick smile since Thanksgiving.

Stephen A. Smith said

The longtime analyst detailed how James was not wrong in his summary about his team. Smith pointed out that the Lakers are undefeated when they enter the fourth quarter with the lead.

The problem is getting there, as the team has been struggling to shoot the long ball, especially when they are wide open. That would frustrate anyone, from the head coach to the league’s most experienced player. However, Smith said he won’t be surprised if they turn it around soon.

Also Read: