LeBron James has reached an unprecedented milestone with his 21st All-NBA Team selection, solidifying his place among basketball’s all-time greats. At 39, James is the oldest player to earn this honor, further underlining the significance of the LeBron James 21 All-NBA Team selections milestone.
Despite this record-breaking achievement, Bob Pettit, a star from an earlier era, maintains the highest percentage of seasons with All-NBA honors. Pettit earned All-NBA recognitions every season of his 11-year career, achieving a perfect 100% rate that remains unmatched.
LeBron’s Remarkable Career Consistency and Impact
LeBron James has been named to an All-NBA Team in 21 out of his 22 NBA seasons, maintaining a 95.45% success rate. The only exception was the 2018–19 season, when injuries restricted him to 55 games during his first year with the Los Angeles Lakers. This level of consistency over more than two decades is extraordinary in professional sports.
James has also earned his honors across different team categories, including four selections to the Third Team, reflecting his sustained excellence in a highly competitive league. By comparison, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Kobe Bryant follow him with 15 All-NBA selections each, a significant gap behind James’ 21.
Why Pettit’s Perfect Streak Remains a Benchmark
Bob Pettit’s flawless record across his career, from 1954 to 1965, stands out historically. His 100% rate was achieved during a period when the NBA had fewer teams and games, and there was no All-NBA Third Team, making direct comparisons with modern players more complex. Nonetheless, Pettit’s consistent elite performance remains a noteworthy standard.
While the league structure has evolved—with more teams and additional All-NBA teams introduced—LeBron’s mixture of longevity, volume, and impact over 22 seasons paints a picture of unparalleled dominance.
LeBron’s Enduring Legacy and Future Prospects
As LeBron James enters his 22nd season, his career continues to redefine sustained excellence in the NBA. His record for most All-NBA honors is unlikely to be surpassed anytime soon, and his ability to perform at an elite level across two decades cements his legacy as one of basketball’s greatest.
Though Bob Pettit’s perfect percentage may never be eclipsed, James’ historic accumulation of individual accolades reflects an extraordinary combination of talent and durability.