Remember back in 2019 when LeBron James created history by compiling triple-doubles in three straight games—a feat never done by a player his age. 34 years old was his age. Seems like ages ago.
Currently 39, James did it once more. His performance was remarkable even if his stat lines were less eye-popping this time around. On Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers, he scored a 21-point triple-double; on Saturday against the Toronto Raptors, he scored a 19-point triple-double. James returned with a vengeance on Wednesday following some days of rest, scoring 35 points, 14 assists, and 12 rebounds in a 128-123 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Father Time is behaving in what manner? We never want LeBron to retire, hence he must be on vacation and let’s keep him there.
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James not only broke his own record by being the oldest player to accomplish the triple-double by more than five years but also guaranteed his third consecutive triple-double with that game. He exceeded his previous mark from 2019 when he was 34 years and 310 days old at 39 years and 319 days old. Jason Kidd held the record before James, timing it at 34 years and 291 days. Fascinatingly, Kidd worked for the Lakers as their coach when James originally broke the mark in 2019.
“He’s mastered the game,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick said, complimenting James’ skill. See at least someone really knows what LeBron is providing us night in and night out.
Redick, in his first year as head coach, also merits some credit for James’ recent run of performance. Redick bench former starting point guard D’Angelo Russell in favor of Cam Reddish following a loss against the Grizzlies on November 6. James last assumed this position during the 2019–20 season; since then, he has been managing the point guard responsibilities for the Lakers.
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James has been able to completely embrace his playmaking ability thanks to this shift; this is a function he has excelled in all through his career. Understanding the need of maintaining James’ older body, the Lakers have long sought other ball handlers to lighten his responsibilities.
His most current performances clearly show the results. James keeps flourishing with the ball in his hands and adaptable guys all around him. Although his triple-doubles might not be long-term viable, his leadership of the squad and creation of opportunities for his colleagues is indisputable.
Now 7-4 on the season, the Lakers have not lost thus far; if James can sustain even a fraction of this degree of performance, the team’s chances going forward seem good.
To put the achievement truly out of reach for anyone who would try to outdo him in say, twenty years, maybe he will give us one more triple double in a row for good measure.
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