For the first time in his 23-year career, LeBron James was not available for the season opener. The 40-year-old was dealing with sciatica on his right side throughout training camp and the preseason.
James was forced to miss the first 14 games of the regular season for Los Angeles. He is averaging 15.2 points per game, well below his career average of 27.0. Against the Suns on Monday, James kept his streak alive of having 10+ points. He’s done that in 1,297 consecutive games. NBA analyst and former player Chandler Parsons accused LeBron of “stat-padding” to keep his streak alive.
Did the Lakers cater to LeBron James on Monday to help keep his streak active?
Chandler Parsons says LeBron stat-padded to get 10 points last night and believes the Lakers are catering to his legacy instead of focusing on the season
(🎥 @RunItBackFDTV )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 2, 2025
On Monday, the Lakers hosted the Suns. After the first quarter, the game was tied 31-31. Phoenix broke away in the second quarter and never looked back. By the start of the fourth quarter, the Suns had a 96-77 lead. Lakers’ head coach JJ Redick sat Luka Doncic the entire fourth quarter. However, LeBron James was still on the court.
The four-time champion was eager to keep one of his most impressive streaks alive. Since January 6, 2007, LeBron James has scored 10+ points in every regular-season game he’s played in. Over the years, James has had a few close calls. That includes Los Angeles’ 125-108 loss to the Suns. James had single-digit points entering the fourth.
NBA made the call to make sure the streak stayed alive.
LeBron had to make sure he got to 10 points so he checked the scoreboard after hitting this three 😂😂😂
Immediately checks out for Bronny. Powerful.
1297 straight 10+ point games. pic.twitter.com/JyGqeuB22z
— Jack Mac (@JackMacCFB) December 2, 2025
JJ Redick kept LeBron in the game so he could score 10+ points. With roughly six minutes left, James knocked down a three-pointer to give him exactly 10 for the game. After checking with the scorer’s table to make sure he had 10, James checked out, and Bronny was subbed in. Fan Duel TV’s Chandler Parsons accused LeBron James of stat-padding on Monday night.
Parsons said this was the first time in James’ career that he believes the 21-time all-star has taken a step back. James had a pedestrian stat line on Monday with 10 points, zero rebounds, and three assists. Just last season, James was averaging 24/8/8 for the Lakers. Chandler Parsons said the team catered to James’ streak on Monday rather than focusing on winning.
