LeBron James, the legendary forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, is about to begin his 23rd season in the NBA. In doing so, he became the first player in history to ever reach such a remarkable milestone. Yet his astonishing run of making an All-NBA team for 21 straight seasons is now filled with doubt. James was sidelined for the first 14 games of the season due to sciatica, a painful nerve condition that has caused him pain in his lower back and right hip. Currently, of course, he’s trying to navigate a brutal schedule heavy with back-to-back games that could very well jeopardize his place among the league’s best.
The path that LeBron James has carved through the NBA is unique. His second-year campaign earned him his first All-NBA selection, and that quickly shot him into the conversation of one of the most powerful players in professional basketball. In doing so, he’s added a new, record 13th All-NBA First Team to his resume, adding more polish to his legacy. Now, at 41 years old, he is not only competing against younger players but managing the physical toll of the game.
He would love to play all 82 games this season, something he only did once in the 2017-18 season. Unfortunately, his recent health struggles will make that goal all but impossible. His agent and longtime friend, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, has yet to comment on James’ potential for another All-NBA selection this year. The Lakers’ schedule poses a significant challenge, with 11 remaining back-to-back games that will test James’ resilience and performance.
If James gets to 65 appearances in the Lakers’ last 68 games, it’ll be improbable and historic. This achievement only serves to underscore the difficulty in competing at the highest level, especially at Tom Brady’s age. The stakes are high as he continues to fight and assert himself as one of the league’s elite players.
“I’ve always thought in order to be a leader of a team and someone that is relied on, your availability is very key,” James stated, emphasizing the importance of being present for his team amidst ongoing health challenges.
The competition for All-NBA selections remains fierce. As analysts have noted, James’ streak is in danger as the growing demands of a tougher schedule could take a toll. Basketball analyst JJ Redick noted, “I mean, historically at least, it’s probably a higher designation than being an All-Star.” This underscores just how important an All-NBA selection can be to a player’s legacy.
“I don’t think an All-NBA appearance this year is going to make or break his résumé,” he remarked.
The combination of his age and ongoing health issues raises questions about whether he can perform consistently at an elite level throughout the remainder of the season.
Rich Paul expressed concern regarding James’ workload, stating, “Look, at 41 years of age, I hope he is not playing back-to-backs.” This sentiment illustrates just how much there is to unpack with the challenges that older notable players and veterans are contending to stay productive.
James’ continued dominance in the All-NBA category is nothing short of historic. With 15 total all-star selections to his name—more than any other player ever—he has built a legacy that no one will ever touch. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Tim Duncan, and Kobe Bryant all have equally or more impressive records. None have come close to LeBron James’ historic continued peak production.
As he relives one of the greatest seasons in basketball history, in his own pursuit of greatness, the basketball community is tuned in. Can LeBron James pull off another miracle this time? In the next few weeks, we’ll find out if he can extend his extraordinary streak. Or will age and injury finally catch up with him?
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