Dave McMenamin, ESPN Staff Writer
SAN ANTONIO — Last year, LeBron James made history when he was named MVP of the inaugural in-season tournament. Friday night, as the Los Angeles Lakers opened their tournament defense, he made some personal history.
James scored the Lakers’ last four points in a 120-115 group-stage win over the San Antonio Spurs and finished with 15 points, 16 rebounds and 12 assists for his fourth straight triple-double — the most he’s had in a row during his 22-season career.
And he did it on a night where he said he “played like s—” and “was not in a good rhythm” after taking a season-low 12 shot attempts and committing a season-high seven turnovers.
“The best thing about my game is I can have [no] rhythm offensively and still have an impact on the game,” James said. “I was able to do that tonight.”
It was the 1,504th regular-season game of James’ career, tying him with John Stockton for the fifth most all time as the 39-year-old star ticked past 57,000 career regular-season minutes. James was asked if he was more surprised that he beat his personal triple-double streak at this stage of his career or that it took him this long to do it.
“Probably that I did it in season 22,” he said after notching his 117th career triple-double, the fifth most all time. “To still have the energy to do that and the effort — it takes a lot. But also, it takes great teammates along the way, too. Those assists only happen when guys are making shots, and I just try to put the ball on time, on target and then defensively, rebound and try to help on the glass with [Anthony Davis] and the rest of the guys. And sprinkle in a little points from time to time.
“But waiting 22 years to do something is wild, so, that’s a good question right there.”
James tied the Lakers franchise record for consecutive triple-doubles set by Russell Westbrook (Dec. 25 to Dec. 31, 2021) and Magic Johnson, who did it twice (March 28 to Nov. 3, 1981, and March 31 to April 5, 1987).
Davis led L.A. with 40 points and 12 rebounds. Austin Reaves (19 points), Dalton Knecht (14 points), D’Angelo Russell (13 points) and Max Christie (11 points) also scored in double figures.
“I think when Bron’s in that mindset of dominating the game in that way, it just empowers everybody else to step up, make shots,” Reaves said. “And obviously, AD is going to do what AD does. He’s done it every night so far this year.”
James is now averaging 9.6 assists — the second-highest mark of his career and the third best in the NBA this season, behind only the Denver Nuggets‘ Nikola Jokic (11.7) and Atlanta Hawks‘ Trae Young (11.3).
James referred to his 27.2% usage rate, the lowest of his career.
“So the ball is not as much in my hands as it’s been in the past,” he said. “But I’m still finding ways and my guys are finding ways to give me the ball and I’m able to find them either in halfcourt or in early transition. Those guys are knocking down shots.”
Lakers coach JJ Redick credited James with setting an example for the rest of the team by being physical on the boards – a goal of the coaching staff for the group. And now 12 games into the 82-game season, with the Lakers sitting with the fifth-best record in the Western Conference at 8-4, James’ presence makes it easier for Redick to implement his playbook with the team.
“I think the biggest thing that we’ve seen as a staff is as we continue to build out the offensive system and play-calling sheet, it’s very easy to then get him and AD the ball in the right spot,” Redick said.