NBA: LeBron James (foot) out; ineligible for awards, All-NBA honors

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James will miss Tuesday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs due to left foot arthritis, marking his 18th missed contest of the season. This absence makes him ineligible for All-NBA recognition and other major awards, which require a minimum of 65 games played.

James, 41, has appeared in 35 games this season, averaging 21.8 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.7 rebounds. He has been selected to an All-NBA team a record 21 consecutive seasons. His most recent first-team All-NBA selection came in the 2019-20 season, and he was named second-team All-NBA last season.

Meanwhile, Lakers star guard Luka Doncic, sidelined with a left hamstring injury, will miss his third straight game. Doncic leads the NBA with a 32.8 points-per-game average and remains hopeful of playing in Sunday’s All-Star Game.

Additional Lakers injury news includes guards Austin Reaves (left calf) and Marcus Smart (right ankle), both ruled out against San Antonio, while center Deandre Ayton (right knee) is listed as questionable.

-Field Level Media/Reuters