USA Today via Reuters
Dec 30, 2020; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots over San Antonio Spurs forward Rudy Gay (22) in the fourth quarter at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 30, 2020; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots over San Antonio Spurs forward Rudy Gay (22) in the fourth quarter at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
LeBron James has done nothing but create history since he entered the NBA. James entered the league in 2003, and since then, he has consistently put up great numbers and defied the high expectations placed upon him. Since James joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, he has rendered himself to Laker Nation, and now, he has tied a Lakers legend with a great record.
James breaks Kobe’s record
James recorded a triple-double against the San Antonio Spurs, scoring 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. This marked his 22nd triple-double since joining the Lakers.
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He surpassed Kobe Bryant with this triple-double and now has the third-most triple-doubles in Los Angeles Lakers. He is currently behind Elgin Baylor (24) and Magic Johnson (138).
.@KingJames recorded his 22nd triple-double with the Lakers, passing Kobe Bryant for third-most in franchise history.
Trailing only Elgin Baylor (24) and Magic Johnson (138). pic.twitter.com/zRsgCeyegG
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 2, 2021
Additionally, this triple-double was LeBron’s 58th since turning 30 years old in 2014. He tied former player and Lakers’ assistant coach Jason Kidd for most triple-doubles after crossing 30 years of age. Whatever the year, James continues to make history wherever he goes.
Tonight was LeBron James' 58th triple-double since turning 30, tying Jason Kidd for 2nd-most all-time.
It was his 22nd triple-double as a Laker, which breaks a tie with Kobe Bryant for 3rd-most in Lakers history pic.twitter.com/znZimHaH75
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 2, 2021
LeBron James continues to make history
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LeBron James surpassing Kobe Bryant in triple-doubles for the Lakers is truly remarkable. Kobe Bryant played in the NBA for 20 years and spent his entire career with the Lakers.
James, on the other hand, only joined the Lakers in 2018 and has surpassed the Lakers legend in just two-and-a-half years after his arrival.
At this rate, he can very well surpass Elgin Baylor who is second on the list with 24 triple-doubles for the purple and gold. However, surpassing Magic Johnson with 138 triple-doubles might be too much even for LeBron James. But James continues to cement his place in Lakers’ lore with consistently good performances.
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James’ 58 triple-doubles since turning 30 have shown how good he has been over the past six years. Most players tend to decline in athleticism, performances, and ability as they go above the age of 30. However, James has aged like fine wine, and he only seems to get better as he grows older.
At 36 years of age, James is showing no signs of slowing down. The reigning Finals MVP will be hoping to defend the Lakers’ championship crown this season. However, it will not be easy as there are several teams in the NBA that can prove a threat to the Lakers’ title defense. But with James playing like this, they have a very good chance to retain their chip.
