LOS ANGELES. Star forward
LeBron James will not be available this Tuesday for the match between the
Los Angeles Lakers and the
San Antonio Spurs, a situation that marks the end of one of the most impressive streaks in league history.
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The 41-year-old veteran was ruled out due to arthritis in his left foot, amid the team's load management strategy on the second night of back-to-back games. With this absence —the 18th of the season— James no longer meets the minimum number of games required to be eligible for individual honors, ending a streak of 21 consecutive seasons being selected to at least one of the All-NBA teams.
The last time the four-time champion didn't make an All-NBA team was in the 2003-2004 season, his debut year with the
Cleveland Cavaliers.
Lakers Hit by Injuries
James' absence adds to a significant list.
Luka Dončić will miss his third consecutive game due to a hamstring strain;
Austin Reaves remains limited after calf problems; and
Marcus Smart will also be unavailable due to discomfort in his right ankle.
The frequent absences have affected the stability of the Los Angeles team, which is trying to remain competitive in a demanding season with the
NBA All-Star Game 2026 on the horizon.
Self-criticism after the defeat
After Monday's loss to the reigning champion, the
Oklahoma City Thunder, LeBron was self-critical and avoided making excuses for the injuries.
"They are a champion team, we are not. We can't sustain the energy and effort for 48 minutes, and they can," said the forward, who scored 22 points in that game, 14 of them in the second half.
James also admitted to physical wear and tear after more than 35 minutes on the court: "I'm tired," he declared, after the Lakers saw a three-game winning streak interrupted.
The absence of the "King" not only impacts the team's immediate present, but also closes a historical chapter in its extraordinary career within the NBA.
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