LeBron James centered his message on team success after leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 124-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday at Crypto.com Arena. The veteran finished with 28 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds, becoming the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double.
“The win, that’s the most important. And to be able to do it and get the win is what means more to me than anything,” James said. “Been very blessed to play this game, play it at a high level and was able to do it again tonight.”
The forward set the tone early by scoring or assisting on the Lakers’ first 23 points, creating spacing advantages and transition chances. “My only mindset was how can we go into the break on a high note,” he said. “Just try to set the tone and finish the first half of the season on a high note.”
Los Angeles shot 56 percent from the field and dominated the glass 44-28, while Rui Hachimura added 21 points and Austin Reaves contributed 18 points and six assists. Dallas struggled from deep at 7-of-26 and committed 15 turnovers, allowing the home team to build separation through pace and ball movement.
James said individual milestones carry less weight than overall impact. “Not that meaningful to me,” he said about triple-doubles. “What it represents is pretty cool, being able to have an impact in three facets of the game, rebounding, assists and scoring.”
The four-time champion, who surpassed Karl Malone for the age-based triple-double record, reflected on longevity and appreciation late in his career. “I guess more appreciative of moments like this, understanding where I’m at,” he said. “I’m at the later stage of my journey.”
He credited preparation and adaptability for sustaining production despite missing early-season time. “Of course that’s human nature,” James said when asked about doubt during his recovery period. “I didn’t have the opportunity to have a training camp or the first part of the regular season, but as the weeks went on my body started feeling better.”
Energy also defined his pregame routine, which included dancing in the tunnel before tipoff. “I’m a goofy 41-year-old kid,” he said. “They pay me to play basketball, so why wouldn’t I be happy about that?”
James acknowledged that his long-term future will depend more on passion than skill level. “My game is not going anywhere, it’s just my body,” he said. “If I can’t continue to stay in love with the process, then once my body goes, then it’s a wrap.”
The Lakers improved to 33-21 and remained fifth in the Western Conference, while Luka Doncic continues to recover from a hamstring strain ahead of the post-All-Star stretch.
