The Los Angeles Lakers went into the All-Star break with a bang by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 124-104. They moved to 33-21 and into fifth in the Western Conference ahead of the week off. LeBron James led the way in L.A.’s final win of the first half, dropping 28 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists. He became the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double, breaking the record set by a 40-year-old Karl Malone with the Lakers back in 2003.
Much has been made of James’ level of play in his 23rd season and what his fit is with the Lakers. There’s no denying that — when needed — he can still be a primary offensive engine in a winning effort.
It was the 123rd triple-double of James’ career — fifth all-time — but his focus after was on what the Lakers were able to do as a team.
“The win, that’s the most important,” LeBron said after the game. “And to be able to do it and get the win, that means more to me than anything. But [I’ve] been very blessed to play this game, play at a high level and was able to do it again tonight.”
The second half of teams’ seasons can often be defined by how they went into the break, which is why James’ main focus was on the winning effort.
“I think that was my only mindset was how can we go into the break on a high note,” James said. “Obviously, that team is, you don’t know what, no matter who’s out on the floor for them. They [are] well coached and they [are] gonna play hard. They did that for the majority of the game tonight, but [I] just tried to set the tone and end the first half of the season on a high note.”
Turning the focus back to himself, James admitted that records like this have started to mean more as he gets to the later stages of his career.
“I don’t know, I’m definitely, I guess, more appreciative of moments like this in my career. Understanding where I’m at, at the later stage of my journey. So, [I’m] definitely taking it in a little bit more.”
While triple-doubles aren’t inherently important to LeBron, he recognizes that having the fifth-most in league history speaks to his versatility and team-first mindset.
“Not that meaningful to me. I think what it represents is pretty cool and the fact that you can go out and 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. And being able to put the ball in the basketball obviously, that’s part of this game as well, to be able to score the ball. So I think what it means, to be able to have your hand in three facets of the game, making an impact in those three, that’s pretty cool.”
The Lakers getting the win going into the break was important after a couple of difficult losses, and James showing that he can still be that level of effective in Year 23 could be equally important for momentum coming out of the break.
LeBron James ineligible for NBA awards
By missing his 18th game against the San Antonio Spurs earlier this week, LeBron James became ineligible to win any end-of-season awards. The maximum number of games he can play is 64.
With that, James’ 21-year All-NBA streak comes to an end.
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