LeBron James is still doing things he’s never done at the age of 39.
On Friday, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar recorded a fourth straight triple-double for the first time in his career, posting 15 points, 16 rebounds and 12 assists in a 120-115 win over the San Antonio Spurs. The game was the Lakers’ NBA Cup opener as they try to defend last year’s trophy.
Four of those points put the game away, as James gave the Lakers a three-point lead with 25.1 seconds left then made both free throws as the Spurs started fouling.
Still Anthony Davis was the real star of the game, scoring 40 points with 12 rebounds in a superstar center matchup with Victor Wembanyama. The veteran shot 14-for-26 from the floor (including 2-of-4 on 3-pointers) and made 10-of-12 free throws. However, Wembanyama more than held his own, scoring 28 points with 14 rebounds.
That’s James’ four straight triple-doubles, which also came in four straight wins for the Lakers, their longest winning streak of the early season.
The four triples this season are given to James 116 for his career. That gives him the fifth largest share the NBA’s all-time list. However, James may not go any higher as he will soon turn 40 and says he won’t be playing much longer.
Next is Nikola Jokic with 136. Magic Johnson is third with 138. Oscar Robertson’s 181 are second all-time. And Russell Westbrook tops the list with 199.
The most triple-doubles James has ever notched in a season is 18 during the 2017-18 campaign. It may be surprising that he recorded none as a rookie in 2003-04. He received two of them during the following season. James also did not get any triple doubles in 2011–12 and recorded one in both the 2006–07 and 2013–13 seasons.
