Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has made NBA history. He is now the oldest player ever to record a triple-double. The legendary player achieved this feat on Thursday night, February 13, 2026. He was 41 years and 44 days old. This happened during the Lakers’ dominant 124-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.
James surpassed the previous record. This mark was held by Karl Malone. Malone set the record in 2003. He was 40 years and 127 days old then. The Lakers player recorded 28 points. He also added 12 assists and 10 rebounds. This triple-double was his 123rd career one. It ranks him fifth all-time in NBA history.
A Testament to Unrivaled Longevity
LeBron James continues to defy Father Time. His career now spans 23 seasons. This is the longest in NBA history. He consistently performs at a high level late in his career. This achievement highlights his remarkable durability. It also shows his sustained skill. James expressed his appreciation for such moments. He understands he is in the later stages of his journey. He views triple-doubles as a measure of his impact. James loves influencing the game in multiple ways.
Breaking Down the Game
The Lakers secured a crucial win before the All-Star break. James was aggressive from the start. He scored 14 points in the first quarter alone. By halftime, he had 18 points, eight assists, and four rebounds. He reached double-digit assists in the third quarter. James played the entire fourth quarter. He secured his tenth rebound late in the game. He checked out moments later to a standing ovation.
Historical Context and Records
Karl Malone previously held the record for the oldest player with a triple-double. He set it on November 28, 2003. Malone achieved his triple-double in just 26 minutes of play. James has now set multiple age-related records. He is the oldest player to score 40+ points in a game, doing so at 40 years and 38 days old. He also became the first player to score 50,000 combined regular season and playoff points. These milestones underscore his unique place in basketball history.
The Lakers’ Current Standing
This victory places the Los Angeles Lakers at 33-21 for the season. They are currently fifth in the Western Conference. The team is contending in a tough conference race. Key contributors like Austin Reaves and Marcus Smart are back from injury. However, center Deandre Ayton remains sidelined. Luka Doncic missed his fourth consecutive game for the Mavericks with a hamstring strain. His status for the All-Star weekend was uncertain.
NBA Trending News and Future Outlook
LeBron James’s performance continues to be a major trending topic in the NBA. His ability to perform at such an elite level at his age is unprecedented. Many speculate about how many more years he has left in the league. The Los Angeles Lakers aim to make a strong postseason run. James’s historic achievements fuel fan excitement. His career longevity remains a significant talking point. The league watches to see what other records he might break next.
