Insider sends warning to Lakers' LeBron James after lengthy injury absence

LeBron James’ injury struggles were a hot topic of discussion to start the 2025-26 season, as sciatica forced the 6-foot-9 Los Angeles Lakers superstar to miss 14 consecutive games. 

While James is finally off the franchise’s injury report and prepared to help the franchise wreak havoc in the Western Conference, a well-known NBA Insider felt compelled to send the 21-time All-Star a warning following his lengthy injury absence. 

“Lebron can only miss three more games between now and the end of the regular season to be eligible for the awards, including All-NBA,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin stated Friday. 

“He's been an All-NBA player in the last 21 years straight. The source I spoke to today said, Hey, at 41 years old, I'd rather Lebron skip back to backs, but will see how that aligns with his plans to maybe be eligible for all-NBA once again.”

With the Lakers still having 67 games remaining on their schedule and James being the oldest player on the roster, it’s challenging to envision the four-time NBA champion going out of his way to ensure he’s eligible for postseason awards. 

Ample rest will be pivotal for James going forward, especially down the stretch of the regular season, which shouldn’t bother James if his ultimate goal is to capture ring No. 5 this season. 

James had a remarkable All-NBA run, but it appears his two-decade-long streak will soon come to an end.

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