LeBron James has once again etched his name in the NBA record books, this time by recording his third consecutive triple-double in a 128-123 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. This achievement marks a new milestone for James, who at 39 years and 319 days old, surpassed his own record set in 2019 as the oldest player to accomplish the feat.
Back in 2019, James became the first player aged 34 or older to register three straight triple-doubles, a run that included impressive outings against the Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, and Chicago Bulls. But over five years later, he’s gone one better, showing that age hasn’t slowed him down.
In his latest triple-double streak, James posted a 21-point triple-double against the Philadelphia 76ers, followed by a 19-point triple-double against the Toronto Raptors. After a short break, he returned on Wednesday with a standout 35-point, 14-assist, 12-rebound performance against the Grizzlies, sealing the win and further solidifying his legacy.
James’ latest feat also highlights his evolution as a player. Since Lakers head coach JJ Redick shifted James into a more prominent playmaking role after a loss to Memphis in early November, James has flourished. This shift, moving him back into a position where he’s orchestrating the offense, has brought out his best form. The move came after the Lakers struggled to find a consistent fit with ball handlers like Dennis Schroder and Russell Westbrook, and the team has since reaped the benefits. James is proving that when he controls the ball with talented players around him, he can still dominate at an elite level.
Though the triple-doubles may not be a sustainable trend, the Lakers’ success during this stretch speaks to James’ continuing ability to lead and elevate his team. At 7-4, the Lakers are rolling, and if James can maintain even a fraction of this form, they will remain a serious contender in the West. As Redick noted, James has “mastered the game,” and right now, he’s showing no signs of slowing down.
