LeBron James Becomes Oldest Player to Record Triple-Double

Analysts question if Lakers have enough to make deep playoff run despite James' historic performance.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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At 41 years old, LeBron James has become the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double in a single game, surpassing Karl Malone's previous record. James' dominant performance against the Mavericks, which included 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists, has once again highlighted his remarkable longevity and skill. However, while the basketball world marvels at James' individual brilliance, experts debate whether the Lakers are relying too heavily on their aging superstar, and if they have enough to make a deep playoff run in the highly competitive Western Conference.

Why it matters

LeBron James' historic achievement is a testament to his unparalleled talent and dedication, but it also raises questions about the Lakers' long-term sustainability. As one of the oldest players in the league, there are concerns that the team's reliance on James may not be sustainable for a deep playoff run, especially in a Western Conference loaded with younger, more dynamic teams.

The details

In the game against the Mavericks, James recorded his triple-double by scoring 28 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out 12 assists, all while shooting 50% from the field. This performance marked the fourth straight game in which James has recorded 10 or more assists, the longest such streak by a player 40 or older in NBA history.

  • LeBron James recorded the triple-double on February 13, 2026.
  • The previous record for the oldest player to record a triple-double was held by Karl Malone, who was 40 years and 27 days old when he achieved the feat in November 2003.

The players

LeBron James

A 41-year-old NBA superstar who continues to defy age and expectations, becoming the oldest player in league history to record a triple-double in a single game.

Karl Malone

A former NBA legend who held the record for the oldest player to record a triple-double, at 40 years and 27 days old, until James surpassed him.

Joe Fortenbaugh

The host of the ESPN show "Get Up!" who highlighted James' historic achievement.

Brian Windhorst

An NBA insider who believes the Lakers are not relying too heavily on James, and that their balanced approach has kept them competitive despite a series of injuries.

Iman Shumpert

A former NBA champion who believes the Lakers may not have enough to make a deep playoff run, despite their current success.

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What they’re saying

“My game is not going anywhere... it's my body. I'm a goofy ass 41-year-old kid... They pay me to play basketball. Like why wouldn't I be happy about that?”

— LeBron James (Cleveland.com)

“He's not their franchise player anymore. If they relied on him to do that night after night, he would probably break down, but they're able to give him some time off.”

— Brian Windhorst, NBA Insider (Cleveland.com)

“I love what they're doing. I think hats go off for LeBron being 41 and them continuing on how they're doing. Do they have enough to keep going past a second round? I don't think so.”

— Iman Shumpert, Former NBA Champion (Cleveland.com)

What’s next

The Lakers will need to secure a favorable playoff seed to avoid early matchups with the Western Conference's elite teams, such as the Thunder and Spurs, if they hope to make a deep postseason run.

The takeaway

LeBron James' historic achievement at 41 years old is a remarkable testament to his unparalleled talent and dedication, but it also highlights the challenges the Lakers face in building a championship-contending team around their aging superstar in the highly competitive Western Conference.