LeBron James’ 125th Triple-Double Powers Lakers Past Wizards
LeBron James recorded his 125th career triple-double, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 120-101 victory over the Washington Wizards. With this historic performance, the 41-year-old James became the oldest player in NBA history to notch a triple-double at 41 years and 90 days, surpassing his previous record of 41 years and 79 days. He finished with 21 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds, while also tying Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most career wins in NBA history with his 1,229th victory.
Lakers’ Winning Momentum Continues
LeBron James achieved a triple-double in just 33 minutes of play. He was 8 for 16 from the field in notching his third triple-double of the season, along with the 125th triple-double of his 23-year career, further solidifying his position at fifth on the all-time list.
The Lakers secured this win without Luka Doncic, who was suspended for one game after accumulating 16 technical fouls earlier in the season. The key contributors for the team include Austin Reaves with 19 points and 9 assists, Jaxson Hayes with 19 points on a perfect 8-of-8 shooting, and Luke Kennard with 19 points (NBA watch). The victory improved the Lakers’ record to 49-26, marking their 12th win in 13 games.
The Lakers would have clinched a playoff berth and the Pacific Division title with the win and a Phoenix loss, but the Suns won 131-105 against the Memphis Grizzlies, delaying the formality of securing a fourth straight trip to the postseason. Initially, the Wizards were ahead by one point after the first quarter, but Hayes had the final five in an 11-0 flurry early, with Los Angeles gaining the lead they would not relinquish again. The Lakers completed the half on a 38-13 run and took a 21-point lead back with them.
With Doncic out, Austin Reaves took over the ball-handling duties, running the show in delivering a near double-double with 19 points and 9 assists. The whole cast, namely Jaxson Hayes, Luke Kennard, and DeAndre Ayton, played their part and aided the team to secure the win for the 12th time in 13 games and limit the effect of Doncic’s absence. JJ Redick, the head Coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, appreciated Kennard, who led the league in 3-point percentage with a 48.8% clip and averaged 8.3 points per game. JJ said that Kennard is a pro, and he is very consistent and steady in execution.
Lakers Take Control of the Game
The Lakers’ five first-quarter turnovers of 15, overall above their season average, have actually helped the Wizards to take a lead of 26-25 heading into the second quarter. However, the Lakers eventually swatted the Wizards, and James took away the game, drilling a 3-pointer from the top of the key early in the fourth and re-establishing a 20-point lead at 97-77.
Fans are closely eyeing the next slate of games, with the Wizards hosting Philadelphia on Wednesday, and the Lakers are set to play against the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight, where Doncic will be back from his one-game suspension. He leads the NBA in scoring with 33.7 points per game, ranks 4th in assists at 8.2, stands second in three-pointers made at 4.0, and is first in opening-quarter scoring at 12.0.
The recent performance reinforced the team’s ability to win without Doncic, improving to 7-6 in games he’s missed. JJ Redick praised the team’s focus and defensive intensity, particularly in the second half. Analysts remain cautious, noting the team’s age and injury concerns, but acknowledge that with James, Doncic, and Reaves performing at elite levels, a deep playoff run is possible.
