LeBron James was one rebound away from history.
He chose rest instead.
Late in the Lakers’ 141–116 win over the Atlanta Hawks, James needed just one more board to become the oldest player in NBA history
to record a triple-double.
But once the game was safely out of reach, the 41-year-old superstar waved off the chase — because at this stage of his career, recovery matters more than records.
James still delivered a masterclass — 31 points, 10 assists, nine rebounds — in what was a reminder to the league that, even at 41 years old, he can still reach rare air on his own terms.
A near triple-double for @KingJames tonight!
👑 31 PTS (game-high)
👑 9 REB
👑 10 AST
👑 LAL WLakers improve to 24-14 on the season! pic.twitter.com/UC427fDCHH
— NBA (@NBA) January 14, 2026
Surprise Start, Historic Night
James wasn’t even expected to play.
After the Lakers’ loss in Sacramento on Monday, and with back-to-back games off the table since his return from sciatica, head coach JJ Redick was surprised when LeBron decided to suit up. But LeBron wanted to see how his body responded.
It’d be safe to say that it responded just fine.
🏀 TUESDAY’S FINAL SCORES 🏀
LeBron James passes Robert Parish (22) for the most double-doubles in NBA history by a player age 40 years or older as the @Lakers defeat the Hawks at home!
Luka Dončić: 27 PTS, 5 REB, 12 AST, 5 3PM
Nickeil Alexander-Walker: 26 PTS, 5 3PM
CJ… https://t.co/wPz7AQL1JK pic.twitter.com/GTc6PmCQ6g— NBA (@NBA) January 14, 2026
By scoring 30-plus while posting a double-double, James did make history — for the 61st time in a Lakers jersey, surpassing Kobe Bryant for the most such games in franchise history.
Karl Malone still owns the age record for triple-doubles, set at 40 years and 127 days in 2003.
Ironically, the next 15 oldest triple-doubles on the list all belong to LeBron — all logged over the past three seasons. He just hasn’t added another since February 1 last year in New York: a day Lakers and Mavericks fans will never forget.
And on Tuesday night, he clearly didn’t care to.
(with AP inputs)
