LeBron James Is On The Verge Of Losing His Most Impressive Streak

LeBron James arrived in 2003 as a generational talent and has exceeded expectations throughout his decorated career. Over more than two decades, the Akron native has compiled multiple Hall of Fame resumes while leading the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and L.A. Lakers to four NBA championships and ten Finals appearances.

James is one of the few players in league history who has single-handedly dominated games on both ends of the floor while also showing unprecedented longevity. This has led LeBron to break seemingly unbreakable records, such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar‘s all-time points record.

Now, the future Hall of Famer is focusing on his 23rd NBA season, playing for a Lakers team with title-winning expectations. This historic franchise is off to an encouraging start this basketball year, thanks mainly to the duo of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

However, one underlying story that James will have to grapple with during this season is whether one of his most impressive streaks will come to an end.

LeBron James record-long streak might finally come to an end

Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak, Wayne Gretzky‘s 2,857 NHL career points, and Michael Phelps‘ 23 Olympic gold medals are just some famous sports records that will likely last our entire lifetimes.

Kareem’s point-scoring record was another one considered to be in that same vein, but James broke it in February 2023. However, there are two other milestones that LeBron set in 2020 that might be even more impressive. And one of these records is in danger of coming to an end this season.

After the 2020 NBA season, LeBron set the record for the most All-NBA selections in history with his 16th selection. This honor, which happened in September 2020, put him ahead of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, and Tim Duncan, who each had 15 selections.

All 21 of LeBron’s All-NBA selections have come consecutively, dating back to the four-time champion’s second season in 2005. Nevertheless, that streak is in danger.

Starting in the 2023-24 season, the NBA introduced the 65-game rule, a shift designed to push star players back into regular action after years of rising load management.

The 65-game rule states that a player must appear in at least 65 regular-season games to be eligible for awards such as MVP, All-NBA, All-Defense, and Most Improved Player.

In addition, a game only counts if the player logs at least twenty minutes, and only a small number of games with fewer minutes can be used as exceptions.

James has already missed 14 games this season and ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin suggested via a Lakers’ source that his 21-year streak is set to come to an end.

The Los Angeles Lakers need to be at full health to contend in a loaded Western Conference

Advertisement

The Western Conference race is in its beginning stages, but based on our preseason projects, many of the contenders are already showing their class.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are off to a dominant start, even with Jalen Williams yet to make his season. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets are two prime juggernauts led by all-time greats.

In addition, the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors are lurking in the backdrop as the Minnesota Timberwolves, who eliminated the Lakers last season and made back-to-back Western Conference Finals, are more versatile on offense.

The good news is, with the form Reaves and Doncic are in, James can ease into the regular season and be a primary facilitator with the additional talent around him.

Even at 40-years-old, the 21-time All-NBA selection is one of the best players in the world, and he needs to be at full strength if the Lakers are going to realistically contend.

Regardless of if his streak ends, James will continually add to his legendary resume as well as other NBA records that he currently holds.

But it’s still worth wondering if the Lakers will try to load manage him at any point while the streak is still alive.