LeBron James continued to defy age on Friday night, recording his 114th career triple-double to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 116-106 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. The win kept the Lakers undefeated at home this season, while the Sixers’ struggles continued, dropping them to a 1-7 record. James finished the game with an impressive stat line, showcasing his all-around talent.
James Achieves Another Historic Milestone
At 39 years old, LeBron James proved once again that he is far from slowing down. He secured his second triple-double of the season early in the fourth quarter, dominating the game with his scoring, playmaking, and rebounding. His performance was a masterclass in efficiency and basketball IQ.
James’ final stat line for the night was a testament to his versatility:
- 21 Points
- 13 Assists
- 12 Rebounds
This achievement pushes him further up the all-time list and brings him closer to Karl Malone’s record as the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double. James now has seven triple-doubles since turning 38, a feat that highlights his incredible longevity and conditioning in his 21st season.
Lakers’ Supporting Cast Shines Bright
While James filled the stat sheet, he had plenty of help from his teammates. The Lakers’ victory was a true team effort, with multiple players stepping up to contribute on the offensive end. This balanced attack was too much for the shorthanded 76ers to handle.
Anthony Davis led all scorers with a powerful performance in the paint. Austin Reaves provided a spark with his shooting, and D’Angelo Russell had a strong game coming off the bench. The team’s performance was a positive sign after returning from a difficult 1-4 road trip. The Lakers are now a perfect 5-0 at home this season.
Top Performers for the Lakers
| Player | Points |
| Anthony Davis | 31 |
| LeBron James | 21 |
| Austin Reaves | 20 |
| D’Angelo Russell | 18 |
A key strategic move by coach JJ Redick saw Cam Reddish enter the starting lineup, moving D’Angelo Russell to a reserve role. The adjustment paid off, as Russell looked comfortable and aggressive leading the second unit.
Philadelphia’s Problems Mount Without Stars
The Philadelphia 76ers entered the game severely undermanned and their lack of depth was evident. The team was without its two best players, Joel Embiid, who is serving a suspension, and Tyrese Maxey, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Without their stars, the Sixers’ offense looked lost and their defense struggled to contain the Lakers. Paul George, who had been playing well, was held to just nine points. Rookie Jared McCain was a lone bright spot for Philadelphia, leading the team with 18 points in the loss. This defeat marked the 76ers’ fifth consecutive loss.
What is Next for Both Teams
The Lakers will look to continue their momentum and protect their perfect home record when they host the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night. Maintaining this level of play at home will be crucial for their standing in a competitive Western Conference.
Meanwhile, the 76ers will head home to face the Charlotte Hornets. The team is in desperate need of a win to snap their losing streak and find some stability as they await the return of Embiid and Maxey. Coach Nick Nurse faces the difficult task of rallying his team to prevent their season from spiraling out of control.
