LeBron James Reflects on Making NBA History with Triple-Double in Lakers' Win vs. Mavs

LeBron James keeps finding ways to make NBA history 23 years into his career, this time becoming the oldest player ever to record a triple-double in a game to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 124-104 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters after the game, James had a reflective tone when talking about his 28-point, 12-rebound, 10-rebound performance.

"I'm more appreciative of moments like this in my career, understanding where I'm at," said James. "I'm at the later stage of my journey, so definitely taking it in a little bit more."

Mavericks-Lakers Full Highlights

01:32

The Lakers are still playing without Luka Dončić due to a hamstring injury. Austin Reaves remains on a minutes restriction as he works his way back into peak condition following a calf injury.

This has put more of an onus on James to carry the burden for Los Angeles recently. He's been more than up to the task, averaging 21.8 points, 10.5 assists and 6.8 rebounds per game in his last four starts.

James recorded his latest triple-double—the 123rd of his career—at the age of 41 years and 44 days. Karl Malone was previously the oldest player to have a triple-double, doing so during the 2003-04 season when he played for the Lakers.

The future Hall of Famer explained after leading the Lakers to a win that his basketball talent is still there, but it's getting harder for him to get his body ready on a daily basis.

"My game is not going anywhere," James said. "It's just my body. It's so many more factors that come with how long will I play the game. I don't think my game will ever suffer if I decided to continue to go, however long that is. I just think it has to be [my mind]: How long can I stay in love with the process?"

James had this performance on Thursday one day after sitting out the Lakers' game against the San Antonio Spurs. The absence was his 18th of the season, making him ineligible for All-NBA and awards because he won't hit the 65-game threshold.

This will be the first time since his rookie season in 2003-04 that James won't make the All-NBA team. If he was upset about that streak ending, he was able to channel it into one of his best games of the season on Thursday.

Ad Placeholder

James and the Lakers are entering the All-Star break as the No. 5 seed in the West with a 33-21 record. They will have eight days off before returning to action on Feb. 20 against the Los Angeles Clippers.