Luka Doncic headlines All-NBA teams; LeBron absent for first time in two decades
The NBA announces its All-NBA teams, with the Slovenian making the First Team. “The King,” limited to 60 games, was not eligible.
Individual awards carry enormous weight for NBA players. They help define what many call their “legacy”, fueling endless debates about the greatest players of all time and hypothetical one-on-one matchups. For some, trophies tip the scales. For others, often those without a long list of accolades, the process feels subjective, shaped by voter opinion and even the era in which a player competes. Still, they matter, deeply.
A changing of the guard
That’s why both Cade Cunningham and Luka Doncic pushed for their teams to request an exception from the league after finishing with 64 games played, just one shy of the 65-game threshold required under the current collective bargaining agreement to qualify for major awards. The appeal worked. Both players were granted eligibility and earned spots on the All-NBA First Team alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, and Nikola Jokic, the three finalists for MVP.
LUKA DONČIĆ: ALL-NBA FIRST TEAM pic.twitter.com/uLqVJMDT17
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) May 24, 2026
The league also announced the Second and Third Teams. The Second Team features Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics), Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks), Kevin Durant (Houston Rockets), Kawhi Leonard (Los Angeles Clippers), and Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers).
Third Team honors went to Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers), Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets), Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks), Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder), and Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons).
Congratulations to Jalen Johnson on earning 2025-26 All-NBA Third Team honors ⭐️
— Hawks Lead (@HawksLead) May 25, 2026
A well-deserved recognition for one of the league’s most versatile rising stars. From elite two-way impact to consistent leadership, Jalen took another major step this season and continues to prove… pic.twitter.com/LtPpEZw9Pr
By the voting criteria, these are the 15 best players in the world right now. But is that truly the case? Is the process fair?
Regardless, the results are final, and they come with several notable storylines. Doncic earns his sixth First Team selection in eight seasons. Durant, at 37, is the oldest player to make the list this year, marking his 12th All-NBA appearance. Stephen Curry misses out for the first time since 2020.
And most striking of all: LeBron James is absent, for the first time in 21 years.
LeBron isn't on any All-NBA team for the first time since 2003-04 after playing 60 games this season and falling short of the 65-game minimum 😳 pic.twitter.com/gsV6ZRz7d0
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 25, 2026
It’s not because of a drop in performance though. He averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists at 41 years old. But because he played only 60 games, falling short of the eligibility requirement. Once again, the rule proves controversial, with no clear consensus on what the criteria should be. As is often the case.
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