The Los Angeles Lakers announced Tuesday (February 11, 2026) that LeBron James will miss tonight’s game against the San Antonio Spurs due to arthritis in his left foot.
This absence officially ends LeBron’s unprecedented 21-year streak of earning at least one major NBA individual award every season (2003–04 through 2024–25), as he will finish the 2025–26 regular season with only 34 games played — well below the 65-game minimum required for eligibility under the NBA’s current rules (introduced in 2023–24).
Key Facts on LeBron’s 2025–26 Season & the Streak Ending
- Games played: 34 (missed first 14 due to sciatica, plus multiple other absences for load management and now foot arthritis)
- Current averages (34 games): 21.7 PPG, 6.9 APG, 5.7 RPG on ~50% FG
- Last game: Played nearly 36 minutes Monday vs. OKC despite the foot issue
- Max remaining games: 48 → even if he plays every single one left, total = 82 games played max → still only 64 if he sits one more
The 65-game rule means LeBron is now ineligible for:
- MVP
- All-NBA (1st, 2nd, or 3rd Team)
- All-Defensive
- Most Improved Player
- Any other major individual postseason awards
This ends the longest streak in NBA history:
- LeBron: 21 consecutive seasons with at least one All-NBA or major award
- Previous record holders: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan (all at 15 before LeBron passed them)
His first award came as a rookie in 2003–04 (Rookie of the Year). Most recently: All-NBA Second Team in 2024–25.
Why This Matters Beyond the Record
At 41 years old, LeBron is still performing at an All-Star level — but the Lakers have clearly prioritized his health and playoff readiness over chasing individual honors. The team sits 32-20 (5th in West) despite LeBron, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves sharing the floor together in just 10 games this season.
The foot arthritis is the latest in a string of nagging issues (sciatica early, load management throughout). The Lakers are managing him aggressively to ensure he’s fresh for what could be his final meaningful playoff run — whether in Los Angeles or elsewhere.
The Cleveland Reunion Buzz Continues
With LeBron’s contract expiring this summer and no extension talks reported, speculation about a return to Cleveland remains loud:
- Kendrick Perkins: Sources say Donovan Mitchell and James Harden are already recruiting him.
- David Griffin (former Cavs GM): “I’d be surprised if he doesn’t on some level… Northeast Ohio means so much to him.”
- Alec Lewis (The Athletic): Cousins is open to returning if the situation feels right.
A lineup of Harden, Mitchell, LeBron, Mobley, and Allen would instantly make Cleveland a title favorite — and give LeBron the realistic championship window he’s said he wants.
Bottom Line
LeBron’s 21-year All-NBA streak — a record many thought would never be broken — ends tonight not because of decline, but because the Lakers are choosing caution over accolades. At 41, in Year 23, he’s still elite — but the focus is now squarely on team success and what could be one final championship chase.
Lakers fans — disappointed about the streak ending, or do you respect the load management to keep him fresh for playoffs? Cavaliers fans — does tonight make the homecoming feel even more inevitable? Drop your thoughts below — the final stretch before the break is here, and LeBron’s next move will dominate headlines all summer.