NBA
LeBron James passes Jason Kidd for 5th-most triple-doubles in NBA history
James is a Basketball Insiders contributor. He earned his bachelor's degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University. James enjoys watching sports and helping gamblers win money.
All posts by James FoglioUpdated16 Nov 2023
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James (108) passed Jason Kidd (107) for the fifth-most triple-doubles in NBA history in Wednesday night’s 125-110 loss to the Sacramento Kings. The 19-time All-Star now trails Russell Westbrook (198), Oscar Robertson (181), Magic Johnson (138), and Nikola Jokic (109).
James also became the second-oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double behind Karl Malone. At 38 years and 320 days old, James amassed 28 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists, four steals, and one block in 36 minutes of action. The four-time MVP shot 9-of-15 (60%) from the floor and drained three 3-pointers.
According to a few NBA betting sites, the Los Angeles Lakers hold sixth-shortest odds to win this season’s 2024 championship. Sportsbooks are showing better odds for the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors.
A historic night for LeBron 👑
– 28 PTS, 10 REB, 11 AST
– Moves to 8th all-time in 3PM
– Moves to 5th all-time in triple-doubles
– Becomes the 2nd oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double pic.twitter.com/rALlGvwNnh— NBA (@NBA) November 16, 2023
At 40 years and 127 days old, Malone set the all-time record for the oldest player to record a triple-double in the Lakers’ 103-87 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Nov. 28, 2003.
Furthermore, Kings coach Mike Brown praised his former Cavaliers player after the win.
“I don’t know if you can put a timetable on when he’s going to be done,” said Brown, who coached James for five seasons in Cleveland. “I think there’s only one person that can, and that’s him.
“Well, maybe two, because his wife might be able to do something about that. He’s absolutely amazing to do what he does at his age. It’s phenomenal. I’m amazed every time we go against him.”
LeBron James becomes the second-oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double behind Karl Malone
The Lakers outscored Sacramento 30-21 in the fourth quarter. However, Los Angeles also allowed 38 points in the opening quarter. The Lakers’ largest deficit was by 26 points.
“Whenever we get stops [and] we take care of the ball, we’re usually fine,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said. “I know the amount of scoring that we have on our team, particularly those five guys that finished for us.
At 38 years old, LeBron James is the 2nd-oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double.
He trails Karl Malone, who did it as a 40-year-old in 2003 with the Lakers. pic.twitter.com/NzootWSekM
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) November 16, 2023
“You’ve got to give them a chance to see what we can do. Maybe some turnovers, missed shots on their part, you can dig into the lead and make it a game, and I thought we did that.”
Through 11 starts of the 2023-24 season, James is averaging 24.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.5 steals, and 33.9 minutes per game. Plus, the 21-year veteran is shooting 57% from the field and 37.3% beyond the arc.
Per multiple NBA betting sites, LeBron James holds 14th-ranked odds to win MVP this season. Oddsmakers are giving better odds to Giannis Antetokounmpo, Devin Booker, Anthony Edwards, Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, Donovan Mitchell, Anthony Davis, and other stars.
