LeBron James' 21-season All-NBA streak officially ends, and his mark will probably never be broken
CBS Sports
by
Robby Kalland
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
LeBron James has ended his remarkable 21-season All-NBA streak after missing his 18th game of the season due to left foot arthritis. The injury, combined with his late debut and frequent absences, means he failed to meet the NBA’s 65-game minimum for eligibility in this year’s voting. This marks the first time since his rookie season that LeBron has missed out on an All-NBA selection.
James’ absence underscores the challenges of maintaining such a historic streak. At 41 years old, he has defied the odds by remaining at an elite level for over two decades, making his 21-season run unprecedented in NBA history. While players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokić currently hold long All-NBA streaks (nine and seven seasons, respectively), their own struggles with game counts this season highlight how difficult it is to sustain such a streak.
The significance of LeBron’s achievement lies in its rarity and the combination of talent, consistency, and longevity required. His ability to make 18 All-NBA teams by age 30 and continue performing at a high level well into his 40s sets him apart. The NBA’s strict eligibility rules further amplify the difficulty of breaking this record, as even minor injuries or absences can derail a player’s streak.
While LeBron’s era may be nearing its end, his 21-season All-NBA streak will likely stand as one of the most impressive records in league history. It serves as a testament to his incredible career and the golden age of basketball he has helped define. For fans and analysts alike, this milestone is a reminder of the fleeting nature of greatness in sports—and how truly special LeBron James’s journey has been.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/14/2026