Lakers’ LeBron James becomes second player ever with a triple-double after turning 40 years old

LeBron James He turned 40 a few weeks ago, but that did not prevent him from achieving great numbers and writing his name in the record books. in Los Angeles Lakers‘111-88 win over Humble Washington Wizards On Tuesday, James became the second player in… NBA History to record a triple double after turning 40, joining Karl Malone.

James didn’t play his best shooting game (8 of 18 from the field), but he did throw down a ridiculous one-minute shot. Jonas Valanciunas That brought the crowd to its feet. He also scored 21 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists for the Lakers.

It was James’ ninth triple-double of the season, which is second most Nikola Jokic (19), the 121st of his career, which ranks fifth all-time Russell WestbrookOscar Robertson, Jokic and charm Johnson.

James is now the oldest player to record a 20-point triple-double, and his 13 assists are the second-most ever in a game for a 40-year-old. Barring injury or sudden retirement, James will continue to set these kind of records. Simply put, we have never seen a player impact the game the way he does this late in his career.

For the season, James is averaging 23.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and nine assists per game, while shooting 51.3% from the field, including 39.8% from 3-point range. No 40-year-old player has ever averaged 20 points or nine assists for an entire season; James is on his way to doing both.

Thanks to James’ big night, the Lakers posted their largest margin of victory of the season and improved to 23-18, which moved them into sixth place in the crowded Western Conference. They now have a full lead one game on Dallas Mavericks In the race for the final automatic playoff spot in the West.