Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James was ruled out for today’s marquee matchup with the San Antonio Spurs due to left foot arthritis. This will be James’ 18th DNP, which means he won’t be able to play at least 65 games this NBA season.
Players need to play at least 65 games to be eligible for year-end awards, like the MVP, Rookie of the Year, and All-NBA Teams. In missing his 18th game, James won’t meet that 65-game threshold anymore even if he plays in all of the Lakers’ remaining games. That means he won’t be eligible to win any end-of-season award, including any of the three All-NBA teams, which LeBron has been part of the past 21 seasons.
Judging by stats alone, it appeared James would’ve had a hard time making any of the three All-NBA teams, as he is averaging only 21.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.9 assists—all career lows.
LeBron James Calls Out His Lakers
Before sitting out the game against the Spurs, LeBron James submitted 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists in the Lakers’ 119-110 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday.
After the game, he acknowledged the Thunder’s pedigree while also pointing out something pundits have been saying all along: the Lakers are not title contenders.
“You want me to compare us to them? That’s a championship team right there. We’re not,” LeBron James told reporters. “We can’t sustain energy and effort for 48 minutes, and they can. That’s why they won a championship.”
The Lakers, as of this writing, are currently 32-20 and in fifth place in the loaded Western Conference. The Thunder, meanwhile, are first in the entire NBA at 41-13, while the Spurs are second in the West at 36-16.
