LeBron James becomes oldest to record triple-double in Lakers’ win

LeBron James keeps finding new ways to make the calendar irrelevant.

James became the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double Thursday night, posting 28 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds in the Lakers’ 124–104 home win over the Mavericks.

The moment came with 2:06 left, when James secured his 10th rebound and then received a standing ovation as he checked out.

At 41 years and 44 days old, he passed Karl Malone, who had held the record since 2003.

It was James’ 123rd career triple-double, fifth most in NBA history, and his first since Feb. 1, 2025, a night remembered less for the stat line and more for the late-breaking trade that brought Luka Doncic to Los Angeles in the deal that sent Anthony Davis out.

James did this one the hard way. Doncic missed his fourth straight game with a mild hamstring strain, leaving James to set the tone from the opening tip.

He poured in 14 points and six assists in the first quarter, reached double digits in assists during the third, and played the entire fourth before finally grabbing that last rebound.

This was not a cameo. It was control.

James entered the night averaging 21.8 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.7 rebounds, and the Lakers remain in the thick of the Western Conference race despite having played just 10 games with James, Doncic, and Austin Reaves all healthy.

Injuries have been part of the season. So has adaptability.

James will make his 22nd All-Star appearance this weekend at Intuit Dome, though missed games leave him ineligible for All-NBA consideration.

Including the postseason, he now has 152 career triple-doubles.