LeBron James's latest record that no one expected anymore

Thursday night left another unprecedented page in LeBron James's career. In the 124-104 victory of the Los Angeles Lakers over the Dallas Mavericks, the forward started the game doing something he had never achieved in his 23 seasons in the NBA and closed it with a record that no player of his age had accomplished before.

James scored or assisted in the first 23 points of the Lakers in the first quarter, his longest career streak to open a game, according to ESPN Research. From the tip-off, he set the offensive pace for his team, taking on the scoring responsibility and acting as a playmaker for his teammates.

At the end of the game, he recorded 28 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds to become, at 41 years and 44 days, the oldest player in NBA history to achieve a triple-double. He surpassed the previous record held by Karl Malone, who achieved it at 40 years and 127 days.

“I appreciate moments like this more now, understanding where I am,” James explained after the game. The crowd at Crypto.com Arena gave him a great ovation when he grabbed his tenth rebound with 2:05 left, securing the record. “I'm in the final stage of my journey, so I enjoy it a little more.”

The performance came just two days after missing his 18th game of the season due to arthritis in his left foot. That absence prevented him from reaching the minimum of 65 games required to be eligible for individual awards, ending his historic streak of 21 consecutive seasons being selected to an All-NBA team.

His coach, JJ Redick, who is four months older than James but has been retired for five years, highlighted the daily professionalism of the veteran Lakers' leader. According to Redick, the most remarkable aspect is not just his level of play but the care and consistency he maintains after over two decades in the elite. “He's basically had 23 years of prime,” he summarized.

In the final year of his contract and still undecided about playing a 24th season, James made it clear that his performance is not the issue. “My game is not going anywhere. It's my body. There are many factors that influence how long I'll play,” he stated. For him, the key is to stay in love with the process. If he loses that mental connection, he understands that the physical aspect will follow.

The triple-double was his first of the season and the 123rd of his career, a number that ranks him fifth in the historical classification. Dallas coach Jason Kidd, who retired with 107 triple-doubles, praised James' longevity and his ability to keep competing at the highest level thanks to his care for his body and mind.

The Lakers, Going for It All

The victory ended a two-game losing streak and left the Lakers with a record of 33-21 before the All-Star break, the fifth-best in the Western Conference. For James, the win was the most important thing: “Being able to do it and get the win means more than anything else.”

However, the break will be relative. James will participate in the All-Star Game for the 22nd time, extending his own record. There he could meet Luka Doncic, who is heading into his sixth appearance if he recovers from a slight left hamstring issue. Additionally, Lakers' backup center Jaxson Hayes will compete in the slam dunk contest.

At 41 years old, James maintains his enthusiasm. “I'm a silly 41-year-old kid,” he joked. “I get paid to play basketball. Why wouldn't I be happy?”. While he decides how much longer he will extend his career, his game continues to leave a mark on history.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El último récord de LeBron James que ya nadie esperaba