Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James recorded his 40th 30-point triple-double of his 22-year career and his third straight triple-double on Wednesday, in the Lakers’ 128-123 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. At 39 years and 319 days old, James is now officially the oldest player in NBA history to register three straight triple-doubles.
LeBron James posts his fourth triple-double of the season, bringing his career regular-season total to 116
Wednesday night’s outing was James’ fourth triple-double of the season through 11 games to bring his career regular-season total up to 116. The Lakers are also 6-0 at home to start the season for the first time since 2010-11.
“He’s mastered the game, and we don’t win that game, obviously, without him,” first-year Lakers head coach JJ Redick said after James finished with 35 points on 13-for-22 shooting, 12 rebounds, and 14 assists.
LeBron James has become the oldest player in NBA history with 3 consecutive triple doubles.
He has 30 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds for the Lakers. pic.twitter.com/BtJHt9e80m
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 14, 2024
More importantly, the triple-double streak is tied for the longest of James’ career, matching the three he had from Nov. 1 to 5, 2019; Dec. 14 through 17, 2017; and March 7 to 12, 2009.
“Just being very patient and taking what the defense gives me,” James said of his accomplishment. “I’ve been doing it for a while. So, I understand time and score. I understand the waves and the swings of the game. So, it’s nothing new to me.”
James became the first NBA player to average at least 25 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists at the age of 39 last season
After Anthony Davis was benched after picking up his fifth foul in the third quarter, LeBron James played 11 out of 12 minutes in the fourth and dominated Memphis, recording nine points, seven rebounds and five assists.
“I’m just living in the moment,” James said of the triple-doubles in his 22nd season. “It feels good to be able to go out and play the game that I love at a high level still. And every night I step out on the floor, I try to help our team be successful in any way, shape, form or fashion. So, in that sense it’s pretty cool.”
Last season, James became the first player in NBA history to average at least 25 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists at the age of 39. No other player has ever posted those numbers after their 10th season.
In the Lakers’ 116-104 win over the Brooklyn Nets on March 31, James joined Michael Jordan as the only NBA players with multiple games of 40 points or more after turning 39.
James has done so twice now at the age of 39. Jordan, who played until he was 40, did it three times.
Additionally, James is one of three Lakers to average at least 22 points and eight assists per game in a season for three separate campaigns — joining Jerry West and Magic Johnson.
