LeBron lifts the Lakers past the Grizzlies with a 30-point triple-double

LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James scored the 40th 30-point triple-double of his career in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 128-123 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, a month shy of his 40th birthday.

“He handled the game, and obviously we don’t win the game without him,” Redick said after James scored 35 points on 13-for-22 shooting (4 of 7 from 3), 14 assists and 12 rebounds.

It was James’ fourth triple-double this season in 11 games, giving him a total of 116 for the entire regular season. And it was his third in a row, all wins in LA’s 3-0 home win. The Lakers are 6-0 at home for the first time on the season since 2010-11.

The triple-double streak is the longest of James’ 22-year career, matching the three he had from November 1-5, 2019; 14th-17th December 2017; and March 7–12, 2009. At age 39, he is the oldest player in NBA history to record three consecutive triple-doubles.

“I’m just really patient and taking what the defense gives me,” James said of that performance. “I’ve been doing this for a while. So I understand time and points. I understand the waves and fluctuations of the game. So it’s nothing new for me.”

Since Anthony Davis (21 points, 14 rebounds, 3 blocks) suffered his fifth foul in the third quarter and had to go to the bench, otherwise he risked a foul before the decisive time. James played 11 of 12 minutes in the fourth quarter and controlled the game action, posting 9 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists as LA outscored Memphis 37-27 and pulled away.

“I just live in the moment,” James said of the triple-doubles at this stage of his career. “It feels good to go out and still be able to play the game I love at a high level. And every night when I step on the field, I try to help our team succeed in some way, shape or form.” . In that sense, it’s pretty cool.

Lakers forward Rui Hachimura, one of five L.A. players to score 18 points or more against the Grizzlies, said the team is built to allow James to have an impact on the game without having to do everything.

“We rely on him a lot at times, but I think now we have a good system to help each other on the court, offensively and defensively,” Hachimura said. “I think it’s the weight [and] Take pressure off him. … He can be a little relaxed and still be himself. I think it’s good.”