LeBron James Joins Exclusive Club with Historic Triple-Double at Age 40

LeBron James continues to redefine longevity in the NBA. In his 22nd season, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer added another milestone to his legendary career: recording a triple-double at the age of 40. This achievement places him alongside Karl Malone as the only players in NBA history to accomplish such a feat after turning 40.

LeBron James’ Triple-Double Performance

In the Los Angeles Lakers’ 111-88 victory over the Washington Wizards, James finished with 21 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds. This impressive triple-double came just one day after flying to Atlanta to support his Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff championship. Despite the whirlwind travel schedule, James showed no signs of fatigue, further cementing his reputation for resilience.

James’ performance marks his 121st career triple-double, ranking him fifth all-time, behind legends like Russell Westbrook (202), Oscar Robertson (181), Nikola Jokić (149), and Magic Johnson (138). This was also his ninth triple-double of the season, putting him second only to Jokić (19).

LeBron Reflects on His Ohio State Roots

James’ dedication to his hometown team, the Ohio State Buckeyes, is well-known. Growing up in Akron, Ohio, James has been a lifelong supporter of the team. His trip to Atlanta for the championship game was more than just a casual visit—it was a chance to celebrate his beloved Buckeyes, who won the national title against Notre Dame.

“It was great to be there [in Atlanta],” James said. “I was there 10 years ago, I believe, when they won it. I was there in Dallas when they won it. To be there yesterday with a lot of my family and friends, it was super cool to have that moment. We’re all diehard Ohio State fans back home.”

James has made a tradition of showing up for Ohio State’s biggest games. In 2015, he flew across the country to attend the Buckeyes’ win over Oregon in the inaugural College Football Playoff championship, despite having road games for the Cleveland Cavaliers the day before and after.

LeBron Joins Karl Malone in Rare Company

With his recent triple-double, LeBron James joins Karl Malone as the only players to achieve this feat at age 40 or older. Malone, known as “The Mailman,” recorded his lone triple-double at age 40 years and 127 days on Nov. 28, 2003, while playing for the Lakers in a victory over the San Antonio Spurs. James, at 40 years and 105 days, now shares this historic accomplishment with the Hall of Famer.

James Continues to Defy Age

James’ performance at age 40 is a testament to his unparalleled longevity and commitment to his craft. Over the past two seasons, he has accumulated 14 triple-doubles, extending his record for the most triple-doubles by a player in his 40s. Each of these performances has further solidified James as a statistical marvel. At the midway point of this season, James is averaging 23.8 points, 8.9 assists, and 7.4 rebounds per game. These numbers show that, despite being in the latter half of his career, LeBron continues to perform at an elite level, demonstrating few signs of decline.

A Major Milestone on the Steals Leaderboard

In addition to his triple-double, James achieved another milestone on Tuesday night. He recorded his 2,308th career steal, surpassing Scottie Pippen for seventh place on the NBA’s all-time steals list. Later in the game, James added another steal, bringing his total to 2,309. He is now closing in on Maurice Cheeks, who sits at sixth with 2,310 steals.

James’ ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor—whether scoring, passing, or defending—remains a cornerstone of his game. Only five players in NBA history have more steals than LeBron, including all-time leaders like John Stockton, Jason Kidd, and Michael Jordan.

Looking Ahead: LeBron’s Legacy

LeBron James’ accomplishments at age 40 are nothing short of extraordinary. His ability to dominate the court with his basketball IQ, skill, and athleticism shows that age is just a number. As he continues to defy the expectations of athletes in their 40s, LeBron is on track to extend his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever grace the NBA.

With his 22nd season continuing to unfold, there’s no telling what other milestones LeBron will reach. But for now, his place in NBA history is secure—not just as the league’s all-time leading scorer, but also as a player who continues to break barriers and redefine what is possible in professional sports.

LeBron James’ recent triple-double at age 40 adds another chapter to his illustrious career. Whether it’s his ability to score, pass, rebound, or defend, James continues to defy the odds and play at an elite level. As he climbs the all-time rankings in multiple statistical categories, including steals and triple-doubles, LeBron’s legacy continues to grow. For now, he remains not just a witness to history, but an active participant in making it.