LeBron James comes close to the historic triple double in the first consecutive season with the Lakers’ victory

LeBron James was questionable for the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday with foot and back injuries, and there was some doubt he would play as he hasn’t played in back-to-back games all season. Him

So, naturally, he played and nearly posted the first triple-double in NBA history for a 41-year-old. The Lakers star scored 31 points while shooting 12 of 20 with 12 assists and 9 rebounds in a 141-116 rout of the Atlanta Hawks.

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The win snapped a three-game losing streak for the Lakers and a three-game winning streak for the Hawks.

The oldest player to achieve a triple double in NBA history remains Karl Malone at 40 years and 127 days. James has the next 15 games on his slate, but hasn’t posted one since February 1 last year, the 122nd of his career. At 41 years and 14 days, he will take the record if he ever achieves the feat again.

However, no one on the Lakers’ side complained about his performance. Lakers coach JJ Redick said after the game that the team didn’t even expect him to play:

“He’s going to do everything he can to play in his 23rd year. He’s amazing. His competitive toughness is off the charts. We didn’t expect him to be able to play.”

James going to play might also have something to do with the fact that he is exactly one missed game away from being ineligible for the award this season, which would snap his unprecedented 22-year All-NBA streak. He missed the Lakers’ first 14 seasons due to sciatica, and has missed three consecutive games since his debut. Just last week, he was telling reporters that it was TBD for any back-to-backs left on the Lakers’ schedule.

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In addition to James’ near triple-double there was a 27-point, 12-assist night from Luka Dončić and a 17-point, 18-rebound performance from Deandre Ayton. Every Lakers starter scored in double figures and collectively accomplished something never before seen in NBA history, despite the absence of Austin Reaves.

After a tight first quarter, the game steadily turned into a blowout. The Lakers led by 21 points at halftime and led by double digits the entire second half.

The win improves the Lakers’ record to 24-14, still good for fifth place in the Western Conference. They’re only 9-10 years old as of Dec. 1, though, and are still under pressure to completely right the ship with a soft schedule ahead of them.