LeBron James Achieves Historic Triple-Double as Oldest NBA Player
In a remarkable display of skill and longevity, LeBron James made NBA history on Thursday night by becoming the oldest player ever to record a triple-double. At 41 years and 44 days old, James led the Los Angeles Lakers to a decisive 124-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks at home, showcasing his enduring prowess on the court.
Record-Breaking Performance Against the Mavericks
James delivered an outstanding performance with 28 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds, marking his first triple-double since February 2025. The achievement broke a record that had stood for 22 years, previously held by Karl Malone, who achieved his final triple-double at 40 years and 127 days old. James's 123rd career triple-double places him fifth on the all-time NBA list, earning him a standing ovation from the Lakers' crowd as he exited the game.
Reflecting on his career, James expressed appreciation for such milestones, stating, "I guess I'm more appreciative of moments like this in my career, understanding where I'm at, at the later stage of my journey. You definitely take it in a little bit more." He emphasized that triple-doubles hold special significance as a measure of his impact across multiple facets of the game, including rebounding, assists, and scoring.
Overcoming Challenges and Setting New Standards
Despite missing 18 games this season due to injury, James has maintained a high level of play, averaging 21.8 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.7 rebounds. His selection for his 22nd All-Star Game underscores his continued excellence, and he proved his worth by dominating the Mavericks, especially with Luka Doncic sidelined due to a hamstring strain. James was aggressive from the start, contributing to the Lakers' first 23 points of the game and nearly securing the triple-double earlier, only to be thwarted by teammate Austin Reaves grabbing a rebound.
Reaves humorously recounted the incident, saying, "Everybody on the team yelled at me. I don't catch myself looking at the stats during the game, so we went to the bench and everybody let me know about it. He didn't, but everybody [else], and I looked at him and said, 'Shoot, my fault.'" This moment highlighted the team's support for James's historic pursuit.
Longevity and Future Prospects in the NBA
James's ability to perform at an elite level deep into his 23rd season is a testament to his dedication and skill. He has repeatedly come close to breaking the oldest triple-double record over the past year, finally achieving it in the Lakers' final game before the All-Star break. With 152 career triple-doubles including playoffs, James continues to defy expectations and remains a key player in the Western Conference playoff race.
As he prepares for his return to the All-Star Game after an injury-related absence last year, James's legacy as one of basketball's greatest players is further cemented. His record-setting night not only celebrates his individual achievements but also inspires discussions about the future of the NBA and who might inherit his mantle.
