LeBron James, 41, Becomes Oldest Player To Log A Triple-Double As Lakers Defeat Mavericks

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LeBron James set another piece of NBA history with a triple-double as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Dallas Mavericks 124-104, while also extending a career that continues to deliver major milestones in the closing chapters of a long journey.

James posted 28 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds against Dallas, and at 41 years and 44 days became the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double, passing Karl Malone, who did so at 40 years and 127 days, during a dominant night for the Lakers.

James influenced the early stages heavily, either scoring or assisting on all 23 of the Lakers' points in the first quarter, as Los Angeles built control over the Mavericks and used that early surge to manage the contest with comfort for the rest of the game.

Lakers coach JJ Redick stressed how highly the organisation still values James, who is in the final year of the current Lakers contract, and highlighted how performance at this level, deep into a career, continues to impress those inside the team structure.

"I don't take for granted how good he is, I recognise that on a daily basis," Redick said of James, who is in the final year of his Lakers deal. "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."

"I'm more appreciative of moments like this in my career, understanding where I'm at," said James. "I'm at the later stage of my journey, so definitely taking it in a little bit more. My game is not going anywhere. 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 that is deteriorating."

"And to be able to do it and get the win, that means more to me than anything, but I'm very blessed to play this game, play it at a high level."

LeBron James NBA history and opposition respect

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd, who extended a playing career until the age of 40 and understands demands on veteran players, pointed to James' preparation and habits, linking the latest triple-double to long-term discipline with both physical and mental work across many seasons.

"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, and at a high level."

James' latest display against Dallas strengthens an already extensive record of NBA achievements, underlining how production remains strong even at 41 years and 44 days, while both coaches and James refer to conditioning, mentality and continued enjoyment of the process as central to how long this phase with the Lakers can realistically continue.