The 2025-26 NBA season has passed the midpoint, and while attention is often on MVP races and playoff positioning, a quieter but significant story is unfolding: several of the league’s biggest stars will be ineligible for end-of-season awards.
The reason is simple – the NBA now requires players to appear in at least 65 regular-season games to qualify for most individual honors, including MVP, All-NBA teams, and Defensive Player of the Year.
This rule, part of the league’s recent collective bargaining agreement, is intended to reduce “load management” and ensure players are available for the majority of the season.
For LeBron James, this rule has ended a remarkable streak. The Los Angeles Lakers star was ruled out of a game against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday, officially eliminating his chances of reaching the 65-game threshold.
This marks the first time in 21 years that James will be ineligible for All-NBA honors, a testament to both the longevity and consistency of his career.
James has appeared in only 35 games this season, with 29 games remaining, making it mathematically impossible for him to qualify. Even in the 2022-23 season, when he played 55 games, there was no minimum requirement, so he remained eligible.
Who’s already out and who’s falling behind
It’s not just LeBron who is affected. A number of other high-profile players have already fallen short or are on pace to miss the games-played requirement:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo – The Bucks superstar has missed significant time and will not qualify.
- Joel Embiid – Despite another MVP-worthy season, the reigning MVP is ruled out due to missed games.
- Ja Morant – The dynamic Grizzlies guard continues to struggle with injuries and load management.
- Trae Young, Domantas Sabonis, Austin Reaves, Anthony Davis, Jalen Williams, Franz Wagner, Josh Giddey, Tyler Herro – All are among the elite players effectively ruled out of the award race.
Many of these players, if healthy, would likely have been contenders for All-NBA recognition. Their absence underscores how critical health and availability have become in award considerations.
Some stars remain on the bubble. Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets MVP and perennial All-NBA candidate, has played enough games to remain eligible but can miss only one more contest before being disqualified.
Similarly, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, one of the MVP frontrunners, is currently sidelined with injury, and his eligibility will depend on his return.
This season’s awards landscape highlights an important reality in the modern NBA: performance alone isn’t enough. Even the league’s biggest stars must navigate injuries, rest days, and load management to remain in contention.
For 2025-26, some of the most dominant names in basketball may be left off ballots, not because of talent, but because they couldn’t log enough time on the court to qualify. It’s a stark reminder that in today’s NBA, durability is as crucial as skill.
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