Superstar LeBron James added another milestone to his legendary career on Thursday, becoming the oldest player in NBA history to post a triple-double at age 41 as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Dallas Mavericks 124-104.
James, a four-time NBA champion and the league’s all-time leading scorer, delivered a dominant performance in his 23rd season. He poured in a game-high 28 points, secured 10 rebounds and dished out 12 assists.
His 10th rebound—which sealed the triple-double—came with just over two minutes remaining in the contest.
In achieving the feat, James surpassed Karl Malone, who was 40 years and 127 days old when he recorded a triple-double for the Lakers in a victory over San Antonio Spurs on November 28, 2003.
The performance comes just days before James is set to make his 22nd All-Star Game appearance, further underlining his longevity and sustained excellence.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick said James’s enduring commitment continues to stand out even more than the records he keeps collecting.
“I don’t take for granted how good he is,” Redick said. “I recognize that on a daily basis.
“The more remarkable thing is how much he cares in his 23rd year with all his accomplishments. He’s going to get another ‘oldest player to do X, Y, or Z.’
“He’s going to get another one of that. He is going to further cement his scoring record, he’s going to do all those things.
“It’s really just the day-to-day professionalism and care factor that he exhibits that is the most remarkable thing.”
With the Lakers once again without NBA scoring leader Luka Doncic, James set the tone early, scoring 14 points in the first quarter as Los Angeles snapped a two-game losing streak.
“The win, that’s the most important thing,” said James, who received a standing ovation when he checked out moments after securing his 10th rebound, making way for his son, Bronny James.
Bucks Silence Thunder Despite Key Absences
Elsewhere, the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 110-93 in Oklahoma City.
The matchup lacked some star power. Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missed his fifth consecutive game with an abdominal strain, while Milwaukee’s two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo sat out a ninth straight contest due to a calf injury.
French forward Ousmane Dieng, facing his former team, delivered a standout display with 19 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and four blocks. AJ Green contributed 17 points, and Bobby Portis added 15 points and 12 rebounds off the bench as seven Bucks players scored in double figures.
Oklahoma City, which had won two straight games following losses to the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets, struggled without both Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, who was sidelined with a hamstring strain.
Guard Isaiah Joe scored 17 points, while center Chet Holmgren recorded 16 points and 13 rebounds. Despite the loss, the Thunder head into the All-Star break with a Western Conference-best 42-14 record.
There was a positive moment for Oklahoma City as Serbian prospect Nikola Topic made his long-awaited NBA debut. The 20-year-old, selected 12th overall in the 2024 draft, had been sidelined by a knee injury and earlier diagnosed before the season with testicular cancer.
Topic received a warm ovation when he entered the game in the first quarter and finished with two points in just over 12 minutes of action.
“Just thrilled for him,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “He’s a young guy that all he wants to do is play basketball, and that’s been taken from him a couple of different times. So for him to work himself to this point, get himself on the floor is a great accomplishment.”
What you should know
LeBron James became the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double, leading the Lakers to a convincing win over the Mavericks.
He surpassed Karl Malone’s previous age-based record and continues to extend his legacy in his 23rd season. Meanwhile, the Bucks defeated the Thunder despite missing Giannis Antetokounmpo, while Oklahoma City played without MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Nikola Topic also made his NBA debut for the Thunder after overcoming injury and illness, marking a significant personal milestone.
