The NBA 2026 season feels a little different this week, especially when the Los Angeles Lakers fell to the San Antonio Spurs without LeBron James. His absence did more than dent their record, ending a remarkable 21 season run of All NBA selections for the four-time champion.

One regular season defeat has definitely turned into a symbol of something bigger for the LA Lakers, and perhaps the NBA league itself. With James and Stephen Curry's absence during the playoffs, avid basketball fans are forced to confront the reality of time and injury of their favorite NBA idols.

The Lakers ruled James out because of a foot issue, a decision that effectively closed the door on his All NBA streak this season. The absence ended the 21 year run that had become one of the league's most reliable constants, CBS Sports confirmed.

Lakers vs Spurs Exposes Players' Injuries

Lakers' 138-108 loss to the Spurs was not dramatic on its own. San Antonio played with pace and belief while Los Angeles looked cautious and at times unsure.

Unfortunately, James' sitting out of the game due to left foot arthritis changed the mood inside the whole arena, making small mistakes feel heavier than usual. But it wasn't just the nonappearance of the 41-year-old basketball superstar in the court that left the LA Lakers significantly shorthanded during the playoffs on Tuesday night.

Other injured players including Deandre Ayton (right knee soreness), Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain), Marcus Smart (right ankle soreness) and Austin Reaves (left calf injury management) also did not play, ESPN reported.

The Tank Off No One Wants to Admit

In other NBA 2026 related reports, multiple teams are still closely watching lottery odds as the 2026 draft approaches, as per The Ringer. The tank off report details how franchises weigh short term losses against long term gain, even if few will admit it publicly.

As rotations tighten or veterans sit with minor injuries, fans are left wondering what the real objective is. And the idea of sliding into that conversation feels unthinkable for LA Lakers. Yet for those teams lower in the standings, it may feel practical.

Curry Out, Ingram In

As Lebron James sat out of the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs game, another NBA star absence became noticeable during the league's showcase event. According to NBC Sports, Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram has replaced injured Golden State guard Stephen Curry in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.

Even though Curry's injury removes one of the weekend's biggest draws, the selection of 28-year-old Ingram offers a different narrative. The reason? Well, the All Star reshuffle gives Toronto a moment of pride and signals how quickly opportunity can shift in the NBA 2026 league.

As for Curry fans, it adds to the sense that the old guard is stepping back, even if only briefly.

Pacers and Knicks Push Forward

Apart from Los Angeles and San Francisco taking the spotlight, the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks continue to scrap for positioning. The matchup carried weight for both sides as the Eastern Conference race tightens, Yahoo! Sports cited.

For avid onlookers, Indiana's energy came as a surprise while New York's physical style keeps them competitive on most nights. And the conversation during the Pacers vs Knicks remains simple. Stay aggressive now and worry about the summer later.

Rockets Stand Still at the Trade Deadline

As several NBA teams have started choosing direction, it appears that Houston Rockets is choosing stillness over messy and risky tradeoffs. In fact, a separate Yahoo! Sports revealed Houston made no moves at the 2026 NBA trade deadline despite several areas of need.

Analysts have questioned whether standing still was a missed opportunity. But for Rockets, trust and confidence in their existing group is a way forward even in a season where rivals adjusted. And that decision may define their spring.

A Season at a Crossroads

The NBA season is usually about basketball stars chasing one more career run but the 2026 campaign highlighted the storyline of absence and uncertainty.

No one inside the NBA 2026 season league, however, will call it a crisis despite LeBron James watching from the bench. Not to mention Stephen Curry stepping out of the All Star stage and teams balancing pride against the lottery odds brought by the draft odds. But for supporters, they certainly feel the ground shifting beneath their basketball heroes.

Originally published on IBTimes UK