LeBron James sets record as the oldest player to achieve a triple-double in NBA history.
LOS ANGELES — LeBron James made history as the oldest player in NBA history to achieve a triple-double, accomplishing this milestone for the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night against the Dallas Mavericks.
James recorded 28 points and 12 assists when he secured his 10th rebound with 2:06 remaining in the Lakers’ 124-104 win. He received a standing ovation as he exited the game shortly after completing his final rebound, marking his 123rd career triple-double, which ranks fifth all-time in NBA history.
At 41 years and 44 days old, James surpassed the previous record held by Karl Malone, who achieved a triple-double for the Lakers at the age of 40 years and 127 days.
However, the all-time leading scorer in NBA history had not recorded a triple-double since February 1, 2025, in New York. That date is more famously remembered in Lakers history for the late-night news regarding the trade that brought Luka Doncic to the Lakers in a significant deal for Anthony Davis.
Malone had maintained the record for the oldest player to achieve a triple-double since he posted 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists on November 28, 2003, during his final NBA season. James has recorded the subsequent 15 triple-doubles on that list and has come close to breaking the record multiple times over the past year, finally achieving it in the Lakers’ last game before the All-Star break.
After sitting out Tuesday’s game against San Antonio, James was assertive and engaged from the start against the Mavericks, who were without Doncic. The NBA scoring leader missed his fourth consecutive game for the Lakers due to a mild hamstring strain.
James scored 14 points and provided six assists in the first quarter alone, finishing the first half with 18 points, eight assists, and four rebounds. He reached double digits in assists during the third quarter and played the entire fourth quarter before securing his 10th rebound.
James was selected for his 22nd All-Star appearance this weekend at Intuit Dome, despite having missed 18 games this season due to injury. Consequently, he is ineligible for selection to his 22nd All-NBA team.
Entering this game, James averaged 21.8 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game for the Lakers, who are actively competing in the Western Conference playoff race, despite having played only 10 games with James, Doncic, and Austin Reaves all healthy at the same time. James missed the first 14 games of the season due to sciatica.
James has a total of 152 career triple-doubles when including playoff performances.
