Some numbers are impressive. Others redefine what we thought was possible. What LeBron James just extended belongs in the second category. Twenty-one consecutive All-NBA selections.
That is not a typo. That is not padded by sentiment. That is not nostalgia voting. For 21 straight seasons, voters determined that LeBron was one of the best players in the entire league. Not once did he fall out of the conversation.
Not once did he dip below elite status long enough to be excluded. In a league designed to replace stars every five years, that kind of consistency should not exist.
LeBron James has outlasted multiple NBA eras
When LeBron entered the league, the NBA was slower, more physical, and dominated by post play. The three point revolution had not yet reshaped spacing. Analytics had not taken over front offices. Most of today’s superstars were not even in high school.
Since then, the game has transformed completely. Pace increased. Shooting exploded. Defensive schemes evolved. Entire franchises rose and fell. Through it all, LeBron remained an All-NBA player.
From his early dominance with the Cleveland Cavaliers, to championship years with the Miami Heat, to restoring Cleveland’s legacy, and eventually leading the Los Angeles Lakers back to a title, he recalibrated his game without losing his standing. Most superstars peak. LeBron evolves.
The durability of Lebron James makes it even more absurd
This is not just about talent. It is about durability. The NBA season is relentless. Eighty-two games. Deep playoff runs. International obligations. Media pressure. Physical attrition. Even legends eventually break down. Careers shorten. Recognition fades.
LeBron never disappeared from the top tier long enough to be forgotten. At an age when most players are long retired, he is still stacking All-NBA honors. There have been historically dominant players before him. Michael Jordan defined an era. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar defined longevity. Kobe Bryant defined relentless competitiveness.
None of them reached 21 straight All NBA selections. Reports show that the second place in terms of nominations is 15 selections. Lebron has 6 more. Let this stat sink in.
LeBron’s durability matters for the NBA
Debates about LeBron’s future, contract decisions, and whether decline is finally coming will continue. They always do. But this stat reframes shows a lot.
Twenty-one consecutive seasons among the league’s best prove that he was never just dominant in moments. He was dominant across decades. Superstars shape seasons. LeBron shaped generations. That is why he is not simply great. He is one of one.
And the Lakers? They do not really care. They continue to downgrade Lebron wherever it is possible. In many cases, they literally disrespect him, even the newest reports about the tensions between the Lakers and Lebron are all indicating – this is not how you treat legends. If we treat our legends like this, there will not be many fans left to watch our game.
