LOS ANGELES — LeBron James began Thursday night’s 124-104 win over the Dallas Mavericks with something he had never done and finished it with something no player his age had ever done.
James scored or assisted on the Los Angeles Lakers‘ first 23 points of the first quarter, his longest such streak to begin a game in his 23-year career, according to ESPN Research.
By the end of the night, he had 28 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds to become the oldest player in NBA history to post a triple-double. At 41 years, 44 days old, he passed Karl Malone (40 years, 127 days) for the record.
“I’m more appreciative of moments like this in my career, understanding where I’m at,” said James, who received a loud ovation from the Crypto.com Arena crowd when he grabbed his 10th rebound with 2:05 remaining to secure the record. “I’m at the later stage of my journey, so definitely taking it in a little bit more.”
The performance by James came two days after he missed his 18th game of the season Tuesday because of arthritis in his left foot, disqualifying him from end-of-season awards and ending his record All-NBA streak at 21 straight seasons since he cannot reach the 65-game threshold to qualify.
Lakers coach JJ Redick, who is four months older than James but has been retired from his playing days for five years, said that James continues to impress him.
“I don’t take for granted how good he is, I recognize that on a daily basis,” Redick said. “It’s really just the day-to-day professionalism and care factor that he exhibits that is the most remarkable thing. … He’s got a 23-year prime, basically. And there’s different versions of him, but that’s what’s remarkable.”
James, who is in the final year of his contract with the Lakers and has repeatedly stated that he is undecided as to whether he will continue his career to a 24th season or beyond, made it clear that if he does retire, it won’t be because his game has dropped off.
“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?
“Because that’s always been my thing. If I can’t continue to stay in love with the process, then if [my mental commitment] goes, then my body’s going to go. And once my body goes, then it’s a wrap. Then the love goes, and then the fun and all that stuff goes. So that’s what it is. It’s not my game is deteriorating.”
Thursday’s performance was James’ first triple-double of the season and the 123rd of this career, good for No. 5 on the all-time list.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd, who retired at age 40 with 107 triple-doubles — sixth on the all-time list — shared his appreciation for James’ longevity.
“It just shows someone who’s taken care of his body and his mind up to this point is playing the game the right way,” Kidd said. “And at a high level.”
The win snapped a two-game losing streak and lifted the Lakers’ record to 33-21 heading into the All-Star break. They rank fifth in the Western Conference.
“And to be able to do it and get the win is, that means more to me than anything,” James said. “But I’m very blessed to play this game, play it at a high level.”
James won’t get as much of a break as most of his Lakers teammates. He will play in Sunday’s All-Star Game for a record 22nd time, joining Luka Doncic, who will make his sixth appearance if his mild left hamstring strain heals enough for him to play. Lakers backup center Jaxson Hayes will participate in Saturday’s dunk contest.
While James admitted he will relish whatever rest he can get before the Lakers’ schedule picks back up Feb. 20, when they host the LA Clippers, he wasn’t about to complain about going back to work, either.
“I’m a goofy-ass 41-year-old kid,” James said. “I get to play basketball. They pay me to play basketball. Why wouldn’t I be happy? I get to be with my son and my teammates and all these unbelievable fans that watched me throughout my career and they give me all the support and love. I enjoy what I do. … I just love what I do. It’s pretty cool.”
