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Dave McMenamin
Multiple Authors
In Los Angeles, during Thursday’s 124-104 victory against the Dallas Mavericks, LeBron James initiated the game with an unprecedented feat and concluded it by achieving something never before accomplished by a player of his years.
James directly contributed to or set up the Los Angeles Lakers’ initial 23 points in the opening quarter, marking his most extended sequence of involvement at a game’s outset throughout his 23 seasons, as reported by ESPN Research.
By the game’s conclusion, he recorded 28 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds, thereby becoming the oldest athlete in NBA history to achieve a triple-double. Surpassing Karl Malone (who was 40 years, 127 days old), James secured this record at an age of 41 years and 44 days.
“I find myself valuing these career milestones more, recognizing my current position,” commented James, who was met with enthusiastic applause from the Crypto.com Arena audience after clinching his 10th rebound with 2:05 left to secure the achievement. “Being in the twilight of my professional path, I am certainly embracing it with greater intensity.”
This exceptional display by James occurred just two days following his absence from his 18th game of the current season on Tuesday, attributed to left foot arthritis. This absence renders him ineligible for post-season accolades and brings his unprecedented 21-season All-NBA streak to a halt, as he will not meet the 65-game requirement for qualification.
JJ Redick, the Lakers’ head coach, who is four months James’ senior but retired from playing five years ago, noted that James consistently astonishes him.
“I never underestimate his proficiency; I witness it every single day,” Redick stated. “What truly stands out is the consistent professionalism and dedication he demonstrates daily. … Essentially, he has maintained a peak performance level for 23 years. While his playing style has evolved, that enduring excellence is truly extraordinary.”
James, currently in the concluding year of his Lakers agreement and having frequently expressed uncertainty about extending his career into a 24th season or further, emphasized that any decision to retire would not stem from a decline in his playing ability.
“My skill set isn’t diminishing,” James declared. “It’s simply my physical condition. There are numerous additional elements influencing the duration of my playing career. I don’t believe my performance would ever falter if I chose to keep going, regardless of how long that might be. I just believe it comes down to [my mental state]: For how long can I maintain my passion for the demanding routine?
“Because that has consistently been my guiding principle. Should I fail to remain captivated by the journey, if [my psychological dedication] fades, then my physical capacity will follow. And once my physical ability declines, then it’s over. The enjoyment vanishes, as does the pleasure and everything else. So, that’s the situation. It’s not that my abilities are decaying.”
The exhibition on Thursday marked James’ initial triple-double of the current season and his 123rd overall, positioning him at number five on the historical leaderboard.
Jason Kidd, the Mavericks’ coach, who concluded his playing career at 40 years old with 107 triple-doubles — ranking sixth historically — expressed admiration for James’ enduring career.
“It simply illustrates that an individual who has meticulously maintained their physical and mental well-being to this stage is engaging with the sport appropriately,” Kidd remarked. “And at an elite standard.”
This triumph concluded a two-game losing streak and improved the Lakers’ standing to 33-21 as they approached the All-Star pause. Their position is fifth within the Western Conference.
“Achieving this and securing the victory holds greater significance for me than anything else,” James stated. “However, I feel incredibly fortunate to participate in this sport, especially at such an elevated standard.”
James will experience less recuperation time compared to the majority of his Lakers colleagues. He is set to participate in Sunday’s All-Star Game for an unprecedented 22nd occasion, alongside Luka Doncic, who will make his sixth entry if his minor left hamstring ailment sufficiently recovers for his involvement. Jaxson Hayes, the Lakers’ reserve center, will compete in Saturday’s dunk competition.
Although James conceded he would appreciate any respite available before the Lakers’ schedule resumes on February 20, with a home game against the LA Clippers, he expressed no inclination to lament returning to his profession.
“I’m essentially a playful 41-year-old individual,” James remarked. “I have the opportunity to play basketball. I’m compensated for playing basketball. What reason would I have not to be content? I get to spend time with my offspring and my fellow players, along with all these incredible supporters who have followed my journey, providing me with unwavering backing and affection. I derive pleasure from my work. … I simply adore my profession. It’s rather remarkable.”
