LOS ANGELES — The Lakers defeating a Mavericks team that sits 16 games under .500 wouldn’t typically be a feat to cheer about.
However, given that LA was playing without their starting center Deandre Ayton and their superstar Luka Dončić, the result was harder to achieve than the standings indicate.
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Luckily, the Lakers have LeBron James.
In a career filled with memorable moments, the King had one more on Thursday. He wasn’t just the team’s de facto leader, he was the best player on the court.
LeBron ended the game with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists, marking his first triple-double of the season and making him the oldest player in NBA history to accomplish the feat.
“I think what it represents is pretty cool,” LeBron said postgame. “The fact that you can go out and be able to have an impact in three facets of the game. Rebounding, the assists, obviously, is what I love the most, being able to get my guys involved throughout my career, I’ve always loved that more than anything.”
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LeBron’s dominance started from the jump. He scored or assisted on the team’s first 23 points. This stretch featured seven assists, seven points, and a pair of rebounds. Thanks to his performance, the Lakers led 36-31 after one quarter.
However, this wasn’t a game where LeBron did his damage early and coasted the rest of the way. LA needed him to be great until late into this contest.
As the second half started, the Lakers were up by just one point. So, LeBron went to work.
He had a considerable bounce to his step and was embracing his defensive assignments at a higher level than usual and more than should be expected for a 41-year-old.
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LeBron continued to clean up the glass, helping LA win the battle of the boards, 44-28. And late in the third quarter, he had a dazzling dime to Jarred Vanderbilt, leading to an easy dunk that pushed the lead up to 14.
“He’s been doing a great job when he drives,” Rui Hachimura said. “He gets two, three, four guys, literally on him, so we get wide open shots and easy layups. We just got to be always ready and watch what he does.”
As the game entered the final stretch with the Lakers comfortably ahead, the only thing in doubt was whether LeBron would get the final rebound needed for a triple-double.
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After a Tyus Jones miss, James corraled the rebound as the crowd erupted.
“I don’t take for granted how good he is,” head coach JJ Redick said. “I recognize that on a daily basis. I think it goes back to what I’ve said on numerous occasions. The more remarkable thing is how much he cares in his 23rd year, with all his accomplishments.
“He’s going to get another oldest player to do X, Y, or Z. He’s going to get another one of that. He’s going to further cement his scoring record. He’s going to do all those things. It’s really just the day-to-day professionalism and care factor that he exhibits that is the most remarkable thing. Like I said the other day, he’s got a 23-year prime, basically.”
The Lakers now enter the break at 33-21, good for fifth in the West. It’s not where they want to be, and LeBron himself has admitted they aren’t at a championship level yet, but this season is far from done. And if LA can finally string together games with LeBron, Luka and Austin Reaves playing, who knows how good they can be.
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But what was made clear again on Thursday is that LeBron isn’t just good for his age. He’s elite with no context necessary. It’s why he’s about to participate in his 22nd All-Star Game. And it’s the reason that when his story does end, it will be up to him, because Father Time hasn’t had a say in the matter.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
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