Even at 41 years old, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James keeps on making history.
On Thursday night, James had 28 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds in a 124-104 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Not only was he the driving force behind the team's victory, he became the oldest player in NBA history to post a triple-double. That record was previously held by Karl Malone, who was 40 years old when he set it.
"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."
The timing of this achievement is interesting to say the least. Two days ago, WFAN radio host Craig Carton was calling for the NBA to suspend James for missing a game against the San Antonio Spurs.
"The NBA needs to suspend LeBron James," Carton said, via Awful Announcing. "The NBA should suspend LeBron James. Because it's enough. But the premier matchup last night for the NBA was actually Lakers and Spurs. Whatever you think about the Lakers, like I do, average basketball team, one and done in the postseason, it's still Lakers and Spurs and the Spurs might win a championship this year. They're that good, right?"
Carton continued, "The guy that you gave an individual patch to when he demanded it so he could celebrate himself as a 23-year veteran in the NBA and have a patch that they cut up every single game and sell on a Topps special NBA card pack, that guy decided to embarrass the NBA and not play basketball last night because he don't want that smoke and it's the third time this year he has chosen while healthy not to play basketball against the San Antonio Spurs."
Jan 24, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks to move the ball against the Dallas Mavericks during the game at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Not eligible for awards.
Earlier this week, James was disqualified for the end-of-season awards because he missed the 65-game threshold. That shouldn't be an issue for him though since he's strictly playing for titles at this point in his career.
Speaking of his career, James has repeatedly said that he hasn't decided on whether he'll return for a 24th season.
"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?"
The Lakers will be back in action on Feb. 20 against the Los Angeles Clippers.
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