For more than two decades, LeBron James has felt like the one constant in a league that never stops changing. Draft classes come and go, dynasties rise and fall, but somehow he’s always remained in the conversation dominating, adapting, and stacking achievements along the way. Whether you call him the greatest ever or simply one of the best to ever touch a basketball, the longevity alone is almost impossible to argue against.
That’s why a recent moment caught so many people’s attention. On a podcast conversation filled with nostalgia and honesty, former rivals and champions Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett reflected on what happens when even the most unbreakable streaks eventually reach an end and what it says about greatness when the numbers finally pause.
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Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett recently discussed LeBron James’ 21-year streak finally breaking on Garnett’s show, ‘KG Certified’. While discussing the same Pierce said, “Lebon is all-time everything for a reason. People say everything comes to an end for a reason, they do. He had a crazy run, 20 years of excellence man in anything, man is still catching lobs at 40-something come on man. He is going to be by far the dope-est fourty year old to ever.”
Because of left foot arthritis, LeBron James sat out Tuesday’s game against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs a decision that ended one of the most remarkable consistency streaks in NBA history.
With his 18th missed game of the season, LeBron no longer qualifies for year-end awards, which means his run of earning an All-NBA selection every year since entering the league is over. The only other season he missed out? His rookie campaign back in 2003-04 with the Cleveland Cavaliers.