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SAN ANTONIO — Last year, LeBron James made history when he was named MVP of the season-opening tournament. On Friday night, when the Los Angeles Lakers opened their tournament defense, they made some personal history.
James scored the Lakers’ final four points in their 120-115 group stage victory over the San Antonio Spurs and finished with 15 points, 16 rebounds and 12 assists for his fourth consecutive triple-double, the most he has ever scored. achieved in a row during his 22-season career.
And he did it on a night when he said he “played like shit” and “wasn’t in a good rhythm” after taking a season-low 12 shot attempts and committing a season-high seven turnovers. season.
“The best thing about my game is that I can have [no] offensive rhythm and continue to have an impact on the game,” James said. “I was able to do that tonight.”
It was the 1,504th regular-season game of James’ career, tying him with John Stockton for fifth most all-time, as the 39-year-old star surpassed 57,000 career regular-season minutes. James was asked if he was more surprised that he surpassed his personal triple-double streak at this stage of his career or that it took him so long to achieve it.
“I probably did it in season 22,” he said after posting his 117th career triple-double, the fifth-most of all time. “To still have the energy to do that and the effort, it takes a lot. But you also need great teammates along the way. Those assists only happen when guys are making shots, and I’m just trying to put the ball in time, in the goal and then defensively, rebound and try to help on the glass with [Anthony Davis] and the rest of the boys. And sprinkle a few dots from time to time.
“But waiting 22 years to do something is crazy, so that’s a good question.”
James tied the Lakers franchise record for consecutive triple-doubles set by Russell Westbrook (December 25 to December 31, 2021) and Magic Johnson, who did it twice (March 28 to November 3, 2021). 1981 and from March 31 to April 3, 2021). 5, 1987).
Davis led Los Angeles with 40 points and 12 rebounds. Austin Reaves (19 points), Dalton Knecht (14 points), D’Angelo Russell (13 points) and Max Christie (11 points) also scored in double figures.
“I think when Bron has that mentality of dominating the game like that, it just empowers everyone else to step up and make shots,” Reaves said. “And obviously, AD will do what AD does. He’s done it every night so far this year.”
James is now averaging 9.6 assists, the second-highest mark of his career and the third-best in the NBA this season, behind only Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets (11.7) and Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks (11. 3).
James referred to his 27.2% usage rate, the lowest of his career.
“So the ball is not in my hands as much as it used to be,” he said. “But I’m still finding ways and my guys are finding ways to get me the ball and I can find them whether it’s in the half court or early transition. Those guys are making shots.”
Lakers coach JJ Redick credited James with setting an example for the rest of the team by being physical on the boards, a goal of the coaching staff for the group. And now, 12 games into the 82-game season, with the Lakers holding the fifth-best record in the Western Conference at 8-4, James’ presence makes it easier for Redick to implement his playbook with the team.
“I think the biggest thing we’ve seen as a staff is that as we continue to build the offensive system and the play sheet, it’s very easy to put him and the AD in the right spot,” Redick said.
