Even at age 38 and in his 21st season, the Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James is showing no signs of slowing down.
He is shooting a high percentage (57%) as well as 37.3% from 3-point range, and he’s putting up 24.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 6.1 assists a game even though his playing time is down.
On Wednesday against the Sacramento Kings, he had 28 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists, giving him his first triple-double of the campaign. It was the 108th of his career, which moved him past Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Jason Kidd into fifth place on the list of the most career triple-doubles in NBA history.
In addition, he became the second-oldest player to ever record a triple-double. The oldest was Karl Malone, who, interestingly enough, did so as a member of the Lakers during the 2003-04 season.
A historic night for LeBron 👑
– 28 PTS, 10 REB, 11 AST
– Moves to 8th all-time in 3PM
– Moves to 5th all-time in triple-doubles
– Becomes the 2nd oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double pic.twitter.com/rALlGvwNnh— NBA (@NBA) November 16, 2023
James on Kidd
Back in the day, Kidd was known as the quintessential point guard and floor general who not only made the game easier for his teammates but was also an excellent leader.
James said he has looked to emulate Kidd’s ability to make his teammates better and be a good communicator while also admitting he will never be able to be as patient as Kidd was.
LeBron James moved past Jason Kidd for 5th on the all-time triple-doubles list on Wednesday, notching the 108th of his career. He said there’s two qualities of his former Olympic teammate he’s emulated, but one trait of Kidd’s he’s incapable of replicating: pic.twitter.com/KDBxnwi7Vl
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 16, 2023
Kidd was an assistant coach with the Lakers during the 2019-20 season when they won the NBA championship. He was a teammate of James on the 2008 Olympic team that brought home the gold medal for the United States. He was also a key member of the 2011 Dallas Mavericks team that defeated James’ Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.
