LeBron James continues to redefine greatness, even as he edges closer to 40. On Friday night, the Los Angeles Lakers icon achieved a milestone he had never reached in his illustrious career—four consecutive triple-doubles. The achievement was sealed with a stat line of 15 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 assists in a tight 120-115 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.
The win also marked the Lakers’ first step in defending their NBA Cup title, showcasing James’ enduring brilliance and clutch moments. With less than 30 seconds to go, James hit a key basket and calmly sank two free throws, sealing the Lakers’ win.
Anthony Davis Shines Against Rising Star Victor Wembanyama
While James’ consistency dominated headlines, Anthony Davis stole the show with a standout performance. Facing off against rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama, Davis recorded 40 points, 12 rebounds, and an impressive shooting display, going 14-for-26 from the field.
Wembanyama, however, lived up to his hype, putting up 28 points and 14 rebounds in an admirable display. The rookie’s performance underscored why many consider him a future face of the league. The duel between Davis and Wembanyama offered a thrilling glimpse into the NBA’s present and its promising future.
Breaking Down LeBron’s Triple-Double Masterpiece
LeBron James’ four consecutive triple-doubles are not just remarkable—they are a testament to his unparalleled longevity and versatility. Here’s a snapshot of his historic streak:
- Game 1: 21 points, 12 rebounds, 13 assists (vs. Philadelphia 76ers, 116–106 win)
- Game 2: 19 points, 12 rebounds, 16 assists (vs. Toronto Raptors, 123–103 win)
- Game 3: 35 points, 12 rebounds, 14 assists (vs. Memphis Grizzlies, 128–123 win)
- Game 4: 15 points, 16 rebounds, 12 assists (vs. San Antonio Spurs, 120–115 win)
These performances were pivotal in powering the Lakers to their longest winning streak of the season so far. James now boasts 116 career triple-doubles, placing him fifth on the all-time NBA list. Moving up further, however, appears challenging, with Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic next at 136.
Historical Context: LeBron Among Triple-Double Legends
As James’ career approaches its twilight, his place in history remains secure. Here’s how the triple-double leaderboard looks for the NBA’s all-time greats:
| Player | Career Triple-Doubles |
|---|---|
| Russell Westbrook | 199 |
| Oscar Robertson | 181 |
| Magic Johnson | 138 |
| Nikola Jokic | 136 |
| LeBron James | 116 |
At his peak in the 2017-18 season, James achieved 18 triple-doubles, his highest in a single campaign. Interestingly, he didn’t record any during his rookie year in 2003-04 and logged only one in both the 2006-07 and 2013-14 seasons.
Lakers Show Early Promise in NBA Cup Play
The win over the Spurs wasn’t just another regular-season victory. It marked the Lakers’ first outing in this season’s NBA Cup, a competition they won last year. With veterans like James and Davis stepping up early, the Lakers look well-poised to defend their title.
Still, the competition is fierce. Teams like the Denver Nuggets, led by Jokic, and the Boston Celtics, with their formidable roster, stand in the way. For the Lakers, maintaining this momentum will be key.
