In the Los Angeles Lakers’ victory over the Dallas Mavericks, LeBron James once again made history as he became the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double, finishing with 28 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists. It was just the latest accomplishment in a career filled with them as LeBron continues to redefine what a 41-year old in his 23rd NBA season is capable of doing.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick no longer seems to be surprised by anything James pulls off and following the win, praised the 41-year-old for the work he puts in to be able to perform at this high level.
“I think he’s done it all season,” Redick said. “From a coaching perspective, he’s done everything we’ve asked of him and everything that, sort of, should be realistically expected of a guy in his 23rd season. I think for him, he spends an inordinate amount of time preparing his body to be able to play at this stage of his career.
“He got some work in with [Greg] St. Jean pregame. Just felt like he was in a good flow and rhythm, basketball wise, beyond just the energy. I think he’s always going to do what is necessary to get ready, to get his body ready to play. I think the shooting, the no hesitation, we ran the flash single early, and he hits the three behind the screen without hesitation. The basketball flow was really good tonight.”
Redick also made it clear that he does not take what LeBron is doing for granted and spoke about what he feels is the most remarkable thing about his career.
“I don’t take for granted how good he is,” Redick added. “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…. 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. There’s different versions of him, but that’s what’s remarkable.”
Many players who have accomplished just a fraction of what James has would be fine just coasting through the latter stages of their career. But LeBron is not only still pushing himself, but helping to carry the Lakers to victory on a nightly basis. It is truly unbelievable what he is still able to do and hopefully the rest of the basketball world is like Redick and not taking what we are witnessing for granted.
LeBron James discusses becoming oldest NBA player to record triple-double
LeBron James passed Karl Malone to become the oldest player to record a triple-double with the latter doing so in back in 2003, also as a member of the Lakers. And after the game, LeBron spoke about what it meant to break yet another record.
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