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In November 2019, LeBron James posted triple-doubles in three consecutive video games: a 39-point, 16-assist, 12-rebound gem in opposition to the Dallas Mavericks, a subtler 21-point, 13-assist, 11-rebound recreation in opposition to the San Antonio Spurs, and, a 30-point, 11-assist, 10-rebound dazzler in opposition to the Chicago Bulls.
James, on the time, was 34 years outdated, and no participant that outdated had ever recorded three consecutive triple-doubles.
Nicely, let’s fast-forward greater than 5 years and James has managed to outdo himself.
Although the numbers weren’t very flashy, James recorded a 21-point triple-double in opposition to the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday and a 19-point triple-double in opposition to the Toronto Raptors on Saturday. He acquired a prolonged break from there because the Lakers did not play once more till Wednesday night time, and James, who turns 40 subsequent month, took benefit of that by reaching 35 factors, 14 assists and 12 rebounds in a 128-123 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
That efficiency, as soon as once more, gave James three straight triple-doubles and broke his personal document because the oldest participant to perform the feat by greater than 5 years — now at 39 years, 319 days.
Earlier than James set the document for oldest participant with three consecutive triple-doubles in 2019 at 34 years, 310 days, the mark was held by Jason Kidd. Kidd, who reached three straight at 34 years, 291 days, coincidentally was an assistant coach for the Lakers when James set the 2019 document.
“He is mastered the sport,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick stated of James.
After all, the first-year Lakers coach does deserve a little bit of credit score for James’ historic streak. After a Nov. 6 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, Redick benched former place to begin guard D’Angelo Russell in favor of Cam Reddish. James has posted a triple-double in each recreation since, performing as a degree guard for the offense for the primary time since that 2019-20 season.
Ever since, in an effort to protect his growing old physique, the Lakers have invested important belongings into discovering ball-handlers to ease James’ workload. Massive trades had been made for Dennis Schroder, Russell Westbrook, and finally, Russell. None ever fairly match completely with James, who’s actually able to enjoying off the ball, however is most comfy because the orchestrator of the Laker offense.
That has been on full show throughout this streak, and Redick’s phrases exemplify that. James has really mastered the sport. Put the ball in his palms with versatile gamers round him and he will thrive. The triple-doubles will not be sustainable, however the group’s success with James on the helm simply may be.
The Lakers, now 7-4 on the 12 months, have not misplaced throughout this streak, and if he may even come near sustaining this degree of play, they will not lose a lot in any respect transferring ahead.