LeBron James Makes NBA History with Triple-Double Milestone
LeBron James is no stranger to breaking records, but this one? It’s nothing short of legendary. On November 19, 2019, LeBron did what no other player in the NBA’s decades-long history has ever achieved: He became the first to record a triple-double against every single team in the league! Yes, all 30 teams. With a stat line of 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, LeBron led the Lakers to a 112-107 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, while simultaneously securing his place in the history books once again.
Think about it. LeBron has been in the league since 2003, and throughout his illustrious career, he’s managed to pull off more magic than a modern-day sports myth. But now, accomplishing triple-doubles against every single team? Well, that’s something few players even get the chance to dream about, let alone do. And LeBron just did it. Pure basketball genius? Absolutely.
LeBron: A Living Legend
Now, let’s break things down. For those who may not be as familiar with some basketball terminology, a triple-double occurs when a player reaches double digits in three statistical categories in one game. Typically, these are points, rebounds, and assists. It’s a pinnacle of all-around performance, proving that a player can dominate the court in more ways than one.
To put this record into context, the NBA has seen its fair share of historic players. Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant—these are just some of the names that have etched themselves into basketball history. But none of them, not even the likes of Jason Kidd or Oscar Robertson, managed to pull off what LeBron just achieved: scoring triple-doubles against every team in the league.
Incredibly, this record comes in LeBron’s 17th NBA season, at age 34. While most players slow down as they age, LeBron continues to play at the highest level, chalking up milestone after milestone with no signs of stopping. His court vision is still elite, his strength still overpowers defenders, and his basketball IQ? Fans and commentators agree it seems to be only getting sharper.
The Inevitable LeBron Comparisons
Of course, no tale of LeBron’s career would be complete without the inevitable comparisons to other basketball icons, especially Michael Jordan. Both players have their fervent armies of fans, and the debates about who’s the “greatest of all time” (GOAT) continue unabated. LeBron’s latest feat adds even more fuel to that fire.
Fans often argue Jordan’s six NBA championships outweigh everything else. But LeBron’s versatility and unprecedented longevity cannot be ignored. The triple-double milestone, in particular, showcases LeBron’s well-rounded game, something that sets him apart from pure scorers. His ability to pass, rebound, and defend while keeping his team competitive across multiple eras is undeniable.
And, another critical aspect to this achievement? The aspect of time. LeBron didn’t face the same players year after year. Roster turnover, new systems, and changes in competition didn’t stop him from rocking the triple-stat line against each and every team. It’s a testament to his ability to adapt, evolve, and—perhaps most significantly—dominate consistently.
NBA Triple-Doubles: What Goes Into The Feat?
Recording a triple-double isn’t like the average stat padding we sometimes see. It demands excellence in several areas. You can’t simply focus on scoring; you must assist your teammates and grab those rebounds too. In many ways, it’s about being a leader on both sides of the court, setting the tempo and dictating the game’s pace. It’s one part basketball artistry, one part sheer hustle.
LeBron James, with his combo of height, vision, and ball-handling skills, is uniquely equipped for this task. Standing at 6’9” and weighing around 250 lbs, LeBron’s blend of speed, strength, and agility allows him to match up against both smaller guards and bigger forwards. His athleticism has always been a hallmark, but what’s even more impressive is how he’s evolved from a high-flying dunker early in his career to the more deliberate, dissecting playmaker we see today.
It’s an evolution that also highlights his basketball IQ. The right pass at the right moment, the intuitive understanding of where teammates are, the ability to cut to the basket for easy buckets or dish out for a deep 3. Every part of James’ game contributes to those triple-doubles.
Day 1: The First Triple-Double
LeBron secured his first triple-double early on, back on January 19, 2005. As a 20-year-old phenom playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, James recorded 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers. It was a sign of things to come—a glimpse into how LeBron could dominate the game in so many different ways.
Since then, LeBron added triple-doubles against the Thunder, Spurs, Warriors, and every team that stepped on the court with him, both in regular-season and postseason play. His continued ability to execute across multiple categories game after game is astonishing and speaks volumes to his work ethic and competitiveness.
LeBron’s Consistency Across the League
So how has LeBron done it? His blend of skill, intelligence, and athleticism is incomparably refined. But the numbers are what really define his greatness. Consider this:
- LeBron is among the top five in NBA history for total career triple-doubles (100+).
- He consistently averages near triple-double performances in key games, often surpassing 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists on a weekly basis.
- At his age (34), he’s managed to outlast injury-prone players of similar stature and continues dominating against younger competition.
Among his NBA colleagues, LeBron’s ability to be a multi-position player—bully his way past big men in the paint or glide around smaller guards on the perimeter—is nothing short of incredible. And tournament after tournament, season after season, his role as a nucleus of his team grows stronger.
What’s Next for The King?
While we’re in awe of his accomplishments, many might ask: What’s next for LeBron? Is there anything left for the 4-time NBA champion to achieve?
The reality is that even as LeBron breaks records almost casually now, the narrative surrounding him continues to evolve. With his eyes set on a fifth ring, new records are likely to follow. The possibility of playing in the NBA at the same time as his son Bronny James is a historic moment many are also anticipating.
But it’s much bigger than individual stats or moments of father-son bonding. Future milestones aside, LeBron has already cemented his legacy as more than just a player. He’s a global ambassador of the sport, a leader for societal change, and an inspiration for younger generations of athletes following in his footsteps.
For anyone wondering when “The King” will see a decline, it’s clear that LeBron is already defying age expectations, and given his sustained commitment to training and nutrition, the end of his prime might not come for a bit longer still. Whether fans are rooting for him or hoping to witness his eventual decline, one thing’s for sure—LeBron will remain a focal point of the NBA conversation for years to come.
Conclusion: LeBron’s Triple-Double Milestone Stands Tall
The NBA has seen some incredible players, but LeBron James keeps proving that he’s in a class of his own. Recording triple-doubles against every single team in the league? That’s something no player has achieved before, and it might be a long time before anyone else comes close.
So whether you’re a diehard Lakers fan, an ardent LeBron critic, or just a sports enthusiast following from the sidelines, give credit where it’s due. LeBron’s 2019 record cemented his place atop the mountain of all-around greatness in the sport.
All eyes will remain on him as he continues to push the boundaries of what one athlete can accomplish in a single career. And if there’s anything else we know about LeBron James, it’s that somehow, he always finds ways to keep surprising us.
Originally Written by: The Associated Press
