The ageless James becomes oldest player ever to record a triple-double, but experts debate if Lakers' reliance on their superstar will be sustainable for a deep playoff run.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James became the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double Thursday night against the Dallas Mavericks.CLEVELAND, Ohio — LeBron James continues to defy logic, expectations and father time as he adds yet another milestone to his storied career.
In a dominant performance against the Mavericks, James recorded a triple-double at an age when most NBA legends are comfortably retired. “At age 41, the ageless James is now the oldest player in NBA history to report a triple double in a single NBA game, surpassing the mailman Karl Malone, who was 40 and change in November of 2003,” Get Up! host Joe Fortenbaugh explained on Friday morning’s episode, highlighting just how unprecedented James’ longevity truly is. The performance - 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists on 50% shooting in a 20-point victory - wasn’t just impressive for a 41-year-old. It would be remarkable for any player regardless of age. But this wasn’t a one-off showcase. It marked the fourth straight game where James dished out 10+ assists, the longest such streak by a player 40 or older in NBA history.When asked about potentially playing more years, LeBron offered a characteristically candid response in a postgame interview. “My game is not going anywhere... it’s my body.” James added with his trademark enthusiasm. “I’m a goofy ass 41-year-old kid... They pay me to play basketball. Like why wouldn’t I be happy about that?” While the basketball world marvels at James’ individual brilliance, the more pressing question remains: Are the Lakers relying too heavily on their aging superstar?“He’s not their franchise player anymore,” Windhorst explained on the podcast. “If they relied on him to do that night after night, he would probably break down, but they’re able to give him some time off.”They’ve maintained a .500 record without Luka Dončić and have navigated other key absences admirably. But being competitive doesn’t necessarily mean you are a championship contender, especially in a Western Conference loaded with younger, more dynamic teams. “I love what they’re doing. I think hats go off for LeBron being 41 and them continuing on how they’re doing,” former NBA champion Iman Shumpert said. “Do they have enough to keep going past a second round? I don’t think so.” The reality is that the West features powerhouses like OKC, Denver and teams with emerging superstars in San Antonio and Minnesota. The Lakers’ ceiling likely depends on playoff matchups and health, with Windhorst suggesting their best path would be securing a 4-5 seed to avoid early matchups with the conference’s elite teams. “If you are wanting to see them have some sort of playoff run if you’re a Lakers fan, which you should be rooting for is them avoiding the play-in,” Windhorst advised. “You want to avoid the Thunder. You want to avoid the Spurs or Nuggets at the top there and get into that four or five spot so you have a better chance to advance.” As the NBA season heads toward the playoffs, one thing remains certain - witnessing LeBron James continue to make history at 41 is a privilege basketball fans shouldn’t take for granted. Whether or not it translates to postseason success, the King’s reign continues to be nothing short of remarkable. Fall of 2023 marks the end of Jonathan's second full year with cleveland.com. A 2022 graduate of Morehouse College, he's been a valuable addition to cleveland.com's high school sports coverage and has helped...
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