We’ve seen some triple-double artists in the NBA, especially in recent years. Still, until LeBron James’ 25-11-10 performance against the Thunder on Tuesday, nobody in league history had recorded a triple-double against all 30 teams in the league.
Just another statistical wowzer for LeBron’s resume, right?
LeBron ranks fifth in all-time triple-doubles with 86, trailing Oscar Robertson, Russell Westbrook, Magic Johnson and Jason Kidd. Oscar and Magic deserve an asterisk, since they played before there were 30 teams in the NBA.
Westbrook, a career lifer with the Thunder until this season, needs just one triple-double against his old team to match LeBron’s record, and Kidd — now an assistant coach for LeBron’s Lakers — came darn close to it.
From the next generation of superstars, players like Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ben Simmons could have their own chance to make this list.
Even discounting the game action, Tuesday's Lakers game was eventful enough with a ridiculous shooting display by a young fan and celebrities like Rob Gronkowski and Venus Williams joining the Lakers Girls. So, all in all, a special one for the crowd at Staples Center.
LeBron didn’t even realize his accomplishment until his coach Frank Vogel congratulated him, but even then, he thought it was sarcastic. In the end, he deferred the credit to his teammates. Still dishing the assists even after the game ended!
h/t Instagram/nba
