LOS ANGELES — A historic chapter in LeBron James’ career officially closed Tuesday night, while Victor Wembanyama delivered a performance to remember.
James missed his 18th game of the season due to left foot arthritis, making him ineligible for All-NBA and other end-of-season awards under the NBA’s 65-game minimum rule. The absence ends his record-setting 21 consecutive All-NBA selections — the longest streak in league history.
With James sidelined, the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers were overwhelmed by the surging San Antonio Spurs in a 136-108 defeat at Crypto.com Arena.
Historic Run Comes to a Halt
The NBA’s games-played threshold, implemented in the 2023-24 season, requires players to appear in at least 65 games to qualify for major awards. James’ latest absence ensures he cannot reach that mark this year.
The 41-year-old superstar had earned All-NBA honors every season since 2005, a testament to his longevity and sustained dominance across 23 seasons.
Before the game, Lakers coach JJ Redick suggested the threshold could serve as guidance rather than a strict cutoff.
“I think it’s fine to have some sort of guidance for voters,” Redick said. “But whether it should be a hard-and-fast rule is a different conversation.”
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson supported the spirit of the rule, saying it incentivizes players to compete through the grind of an 82-game season, though he acknowledged it can be tough on players having strong seasons shortened by injuries.
Wembanyama Takes Center Stage
While James’ milestone drew headlines, the night belonged to Wembanyama.
The Spurs’ 7-foot-4 phenom erupted for 40 points, scoring 37 in a dominant first half — the highest-scoring half in the NBA this season and the most by a Spurs player in the 21st century. He shot 12-of-17 from the field, hit three 3-pointers and grabbed 12 rebounds in just 26 minutes.
Wembanyama wasted no time setting the tone, scoring 17 points in the first 4:15 and 25 by the time he exited late in the opening quarter. San Antonio poured in 47 points in the first period and led wire-to-wire, building a lead as large as 41 points.
The French star became just the third player in the past 50 seasons to score at least 40 points while playing 27 minutes or fewer.
Carter Bryant added a career-high 16 points and Dylan Harper contributed 15 as the Spurs secured their fifth straight victory and 10th in 13 games.
Lakers Overmatched
The Lakers were severely depleted. Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain), Austin Reaves (left calf), Deandre Ayton (right knee soreness) and Marcus Smart (right ankle soreness) also sat out.
Doncic, the NBA’s scoring leader, missed his third straight game and is also approaching the 65-game eligibility threshold. He has missed 11 games and can afford only six more absences to remain award-eligible.
In the loss, Luke Kennard and Drew Timme scored 14 points apiece, while Bronny James added 12 points and six assists.
San Antonio dominated inside, outscoring the Lakers 72-50 in the paint, and there were no lead changes or ties throughout the game.
End of an Era
For James, the night marked the end of one of the NBA’s most remarkable streaks — 21 straight seasons of All-NBA excellence.
Though his eligibility has ended, his legacy remains firmly intact. Across more than two decades, James has defined durability, consistency and greatness.
On a February night in Los Angeles, however, one historic run officially came to a close — even as the league’s next generational star seized the spotlight.
Source: ESPN, NBA
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