With a loss to the Brooklyn Nets in the 72nd game of the 2018-19 NBA season, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers were officially eliminated from playoff contention.
As the Lakers extended their playoff drought to six seasons, it also marked the first time James has not made it since the 2004-05 season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Moreover, it snaps his streak of NBA Finals appearances at eight.
With 10 games to improve their odds in the 2019 NBA Draft lottery, shutting James down for the remainder of the season has been a topic of discussion lately.