LeBron James added another milestone to his unparalleled résumé Thursday night, becoming the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 124-104 win over the Dallas Mavericks.
At 41 years and 44 days old, James finished with 28 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds, breaking the previous record held by Karl Malone, who notched a triple-double at 40 years and 127 days while playing for the Lakers.
James set the tone early, scoring 14 points in the first quarter as Los Angeles raced out to control. He had 22 points and 12 assists entering the fourth, then secured his 10th rebound with 2:06 remaining before checking out to a standing ovation in his 23rd NBA season. The performance came just days before his 22nd All-Star appearance, extending another league record.
Rui Hachimura added 21 points, while Austin Reaves contributed 18 points and six assists after sitting out Tuesday’s loss to San Antonio for health maintenance. The Lakers have now won seven of their last 11 games.
Dallas dropped its ninth straight game — its longest losing streak in 28 seasons — despite 19 points apiece from Naji Marshall and Max Christie.
The Mavericks were without rookie standout Cooper Flagg, who is sidelined with a sprained foot that will also keep him out of All-Star weekend festivities at nearby Intuit Dome. NBA scoring leader Luka Doncic, now with the Lakers, missed his fourth consecutive game with a mild hamstring strain and did not face his former team. Lakers coach JJ Redick said he expects Doncic to return after the All-Star break but was unsure about his All-Star Game availability.
Up next:
The Mavericks visit Minnesota on Friday, while the Lakers host the Clippers.
