Superstar LeBron James made history on Thursday, becoming the oldest NBA player to record a triple-double at 41 as he led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 124-104 win over the Dallas Mavericks.

James, the four-time champion and the NBA’s all-time leading scorer in his 23rd season, finished with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists, securing his final rebound with just over two minutes left. He surpassed Karl Malone, who was 40 years and 127 days old when he notched a triple-double for the Lakers in a 2003 victory over San Antonio.

The feat came just three days ahead of James’s 22nd All-Star Game appearance.

Lakers coach JJ Redick praised James’s dedication after more than two decades in the league.

“I don’t take for granted how good he is,” Redick said. “The more remarkable thing is how much he cares in his 23rd year with all his accomplishments. He’s going to get another ‘oldest player to do X, Y, or Z.’ It’s really just the day-to-day professionalism and care factor that he exhibits that is the most remarkable thing.”

With Luka Doncic sidelined again, James set the tone early with 14 first-quarter points, helping the Lakers bounce back from consecutive defeats. When subbed out for his son, Bronny James, he received a standing ovation after recording his 10th rebound.

Dieng leads Bucks past Thunder

Elsewhere, Ousmane Dieng starred for the Milwaukee Bucks as they defeated defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder 110-93 in a morale-boosting victory ahead of the NBA All-Star break.

Dieng, traded from the Thunder before the deadline, reminded Oklahoma City what they gave up with 19 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and four blocks, hitting seven of 12 shots including three three-pointers. AJ Green added 27 points, and Bobby Portis contributed 15 points and 12 rebounds off the bench, with seven Bucks players scoring in double figures.

The Thunder, missing MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal strain) and Jalen Williams (hamstring), trailed for most of the game. Isaiah Joe scored 17 points, and Chet Holmgren added 16 points and 13 rebounds. Oklahoma City still enters the All-Star break with a Western Conference-leading 42-14 record.

The game also marked the long-awaited NBA debut of Nikola Topic, who missed last season due to knee injury and was previously diagnosed with testicular cancer. The 20-year-old, 12th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, received a standing ovation and scored two points in 12:22 minutes of action.

“Just thrilled for him,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “He’s obviously been through a ton of adversity in the last couple of years. For him to work himself to this point and get on the floor is a great accomplishment.”