LeBron James made history Thursday night by becoming the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double, contributing 28 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 124-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. At 41 years and 44 days old, James surpassed Karl Malone’s previous record of 40 years and 127 days with a triple-double.
James dominated early by scoring 14 points in the first quarter and added 22 points and 12 assists in the final quarter. He secured his 10th rebound with just over two minutes remaining and exited the game shortly after, highlighting another outstanding performance in his record 23rd NBA season. James was named an All-Star for the 22nd time and will participate in this weekend’s game. His last triple-double came on February 1, 2025.
For the Mavericks, Naji Marshall and Max Christie each put up 19 points as Dallas extended their losing streak to nine games, marking their longest slump in 28 years. Star player Luka Doncic, the NBA’s top scorer, missed his fourth straight game against his former team due to a hamstring strain, while rookie Cooper Flagg also sat out with a sprained foot, causing him to miss the upcoming All-Star Weekend at the nearby Intuit Dome.
The Lakers saw the return of James and Austin Reaves after both had skipped Tuesday’s loss to the Spurs to maintain their health. Reaves contributed 18 points and six assists, while Rui Hachimura added 21 points to help Los Angeles win seven out of their last 11 games.
In other action, Milwaukee edged out Oklahoma City 110-93, led by Ousmane Dieng’s impressive 19 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and four blocks. Dieng, recently traded from Oklahoma City, was previously named G League Finals MVP. The Bucks played without coach Doc Rivers, who was at a funeral, and star Giannis Antetokounmpo, sidelined with a calf injury. The Thunder missed their MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and co-star Jaylen Williams due to injuries. AJ Green scored 17 points and Obie Portis posted a double-double for Milwaukee, while Isaiah Joe and Chet Holmgren led Oklahoma City.
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Utah Jazz 135-119, powered by Jrue Holiday’s season-best 31 points and Donovan Clingan’s 23 points and 18 rebounds. Clingan also set a personal best with seven assists and three blocks. Portland’s victory came shortly after Jazz star Jaren Jackson Jr. was sidelined due to knee surgery and the team was fined $500,000 by the NBA for resting a healthy player. Utah’s Bryce Sensabaugh led with 28 points, while multiple teammates contributed as well.
Utah’s two-way player Blake Hinson scored 11 points in his NBA debut and briefly gave the Jazz the lead, but Portland rallied with an 11-2 run to secure the win. Clingan sparked a crucial 10-0 run that gave the Blazers control in the third quarter. Jackson, acquired in a recent trade, was diagnosed with a benign tumor in his left knee during a medical exam and will undergo surgery next week.
Fan Take:
LeBron James’ milestone is a remarkable testament to longevity and skill, inspiring both current players and fans by showing that age is just a number in the NBA. Meanwhile, the ongoing injury struggles and trades across teams highlight the unpredictable nature of the league and the importance of resilience and adaptation, making this season particularly thrilling for basketball enthusiasts.
