Quick Read
- LeBron James, 41, became the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double.
- James achieved 28 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds in the Lakers’ 124-104 win over the Dallas Mavericks.
- The Lakers played without star Luka Doncic, who is recovering from left leg soreness and is expected back after the All-Star break.
- James is set to participate in his 22nd NBA All-Star Game this weekend.
- Speculation continues about James’s future, with potential moves to teams like the Warriors or Cavaliers being discussed.
LOS ANGELES (Azat TV) – LeBron James etched his name deeper into NBA history on Thursday night, 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 dominant 124-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena, showcasing his enduring prowess just before the league’s All-Star break. This remarkable performance intensifies ongoing discussions about James’s future, as analysts and reporters speculate on whether he will return for an unprecedented 24th NBA season and if that season will be with the Lakers.
James delivered a sensational stat line of 28 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds against the Mavericks. He scored 14 points in a dominant first quarter and had already amassed 22 points and 12 assists by the start of the fourth quarter, securing his 10th rebound with just over two minutes left in the game. This achievement surpassed the previous record held by Karl Malone, who recorded a triple-double for the Lakers at 40 years and 127 days old, according to Newsday. Fans on social media lauded his performance as ‘vintage’ James, highlighting his continued ability to dominate at an age when most players have long retired.
Lakers Navigating Injuries Ahead of All-Star Break
The Lakers’ victory came despite significant injury woes that have plagued their season. Star point guard Luka Doncic, who leads the NBA in scoring and is third in assists, missed his fourth consecutive game due to left leg soreness. Lakers coach JJ Redick indicated that Doncic, the leading vote-getter for the All-Star game, is progressing well and is expected to return after the All-Star break, though his participation in Sunday’s All-Star game at Intuit Dome remains uncertain. Center Deandre Ayton also missed his second straight game with right knee soreness, with an MRI confirming his injury. Redick confirmed Ayton would receive care during the break and return post-All-Star.
Despite these absences, the Lakers, now 33-21 and fifth in the Western Conference, demonstrated depth. Rui Hachimura contributed 21 points, and Austin Reaves, returning from left calf injury management, added 18 points and six assists. James himself had missed the previous game against the San Antonio Spurs for health maintenance but returned to lead his team decisively. This win marked the Lakers’ seventh victory in their last 11 games, providing a positive momentum boost heading into the week-long All-Star hiatus.
Future Beyond Los Angeles?
As James prepares for his 22nd All-Star Game selection this weekend, his future with the Lakers remains a prominent storyline. While he has not publicly commented on his plans, many in the league anticipate he will extend his record to a 24th season. However, speculation is rampant about whether he will remain in Los Angeles. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon suggested James’s recent ‘grouchy’ demeanor could be attributed to the Lakers’ inconsistent roster quality since their 2020 championship, noting the team is ‘a roster remodeling around Luka [Doncic] and Austin Reaves away from being in the conversation of contenders.’
Analyst Brian Windhorst mentioned on NY Post that James could potentially leave the Lakers for one of four teams, specifically naming the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers. A move to the Warriors, potentially teaming up with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, would likely require James to take a significant pay cut. Similarly, a return to Cleveland, which recently acquired James Harden, would also involve financial considerations due to the Cavaliers’ cap space. The identities of the other two potential teams remain undisclosed, fueling further conjecture across the league.
LeBron James’s record-breaking triple-double underscores his extraordinary longevity and continued impact on the NBA, yet it simultaneously highlights the complex crossroads he faces regarding his career’s twilight, balancing individual achievement with team aspirations and the financial realities of potential new ventures.