The Los Angeles Lakers were without Luka Doncic against the Washington Wizards on Monday night, but they didn’t need the Slovenian superstar. Future Hall of Famer LeBron James stepped up with 21 points (8-16 FG, 1-3 3-point), 10 rebounds, 12 assists, and one block over 33 minutes in the 120-101 win.
Doncic was out due to a one-game suspension after logging his 16th technical foul of the season in Friday’s 116-99 home win over the Brooklyn Nets, which allowed James and Austin Reaves to run the offense. Reaves was second to James on the Lakers with 19 points (4-11 FG, 0-4 3-point) with nine assists over 27 minutes.
James made NBA history with his performance, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
“LeBron James has 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists tonight vs WAS for the 125th triple-double of his career (5th all-time),” McMenamin reported. “At 41 years, 90 days old, James is the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double, passing his own mark (41 years, 79 days).”
Although Washington is one of the worst teams in the league, James playing well enough to get another triple-double this late in the season is a good sign for Los Angeles. The four-time NBA Finals MVP also tallied 19 points on (8-12 FG) with 15 rebounds and 10 assists across 38 minutes in a 134-126 win over the Miami Heat on March 19.
Los Angeles is third in the Western Conference at 49-26 and is on the precipice of clinching a playoff spot. If James delivers his vintage mix of scoring, assisting, and rebounding in the postseason, it’ll give the Lakers a chance to make a deep run.
The 22-time All-Star has now played 53 games this season despite being 41 and in his NBA-record 23rd campaign. He is in the last year of his contract, so this could be the last time he chases a ring with the Lakers.
Regardless, James’ latest age-related accomplishment is another reminder of his longevity.
Lakers Hold Narrow Lead Over Nuggets
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Austin Reaves (15). William Liang-Imagn Images
(William Liang-Imagn Images)
Los Angeles has a 1.5-game lead over the Denver Nuggets for third place in the Western Conference before Tuesday’s home matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Unlike their last three games, the Lakers will try to beat a fellow playoff contender.
After losing 113-110 to the Detroit Pistons on March 23, they beat the Indiana Pacers 137-130 on the road before the last two victories against the Nets and Wizards. The Pistons are first in the East, while the latter three teams are at the bottom of the conference. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are one game behind the New York Knicks for third place.
Tuesday’s game will start at 10:30 p.m. ET at Crypto.com Arena.
Related: Lakers’ JJ Redick Names Luka Doncic as MVP
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 31, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.