LeBron James left off All-NBA teams for first time in two decades

May 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the first half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

For the first time since his rookie season, LeBron James was not selected to an All-NBA Team, ending a historic streak that lasted more than two decades.

James’ omission from the 2025-26 All-NBA teams marked only the second time in his career he failed to earn the honor. The first came during the 2003-04 season, his rookie year with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Since then, James had earned 21 consecutive All-NBA selections, the longest streak in league history.

Despite missing out this season, James still delivered another productive year for the Los Angeles Lakers. The 41-year-old averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists while appearing in 60 regular-season games.  He continued functioning as one of the Lakers’ primary playmakers while helping lead the team to a fourth-place finish in the Western Conference standings.

The Lakers advanced to the second round of the playoffs before being eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder, whose younger and deeper roster overwhelmed Los Angeles in the series. Even in defeat, James remained impactful throughout the postseason, showing flashes of the versatility and basketball IQ that have defined his legendary career.

New generation takes  center stage 

Still, the competition for All-NBA spots was especially intense this season. Younger stars across the league posted dominant numbers while leading teams to elite records, making the voting process more difficult than ever. Analysts and other outlets noted that voter emphasis on availability and overall statistical production likely played a role in James narrowly missing selection.

Although the streak has officially ended, James’ résumé remains unmatched. He still holds the NBA record for consecutive All-NBA selections and continues to rank among the league’s all-time leaders in nearly every major statistical category.

For many around the league, James missing an All-NBA team felt symbolic — another reminder that the NBA’s next generation has officially arrived. Yet even at 41 years old, he remains one of basketball’s most respected and influential players, continuing to perform at a level few athletes in sports history have ever sustained for this long