LeBron James dunks the ball against Memphis on Dec. 9, 2021.
LeBron James has been stuffing NBA stat sheets since 2003. On Thursday, he did it one more time and joined historic company in the process.
The Los Angeles Lakers superstar accumulated his 100th career triple-double in a 108-95 loss to Memphis, amassing 20 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists. James becomes just the fifth player in NBA history to reach that milestone, joining Russell Westbrook (189), Oscar Robertson (181), Magic Johnson (138) and Jason Kidd (107).
Congrats to @KingJames of the @Lakers for becoming the 5th player in @NBAHistory to record 100 triple-doubles! #NBA75 pic.twitter.com/1OHnIfHdtO
— NBA (@NBA) December 10, 2021
Triple-doubles have never been far removed from James’ average output. The 17-time All-Star holds career averages of 27.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.4 assists. The former No. 1 overall pick also ranks third on the NBA all-time scoring list, fourth in minutes, eighth in assists, and 11th in steals.
James’ latest triple-double — his 27th with the Lakers — also saw him move past Elgin Baylor for second-most in franchise history.
The Lakers (13-13) may need more from James and his teammates in the coming weeks after losing to a Memphis team missing Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks due to league health and safety protocols. James avoided missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019 last season when the Lakers survived the 2021 Play-In Tournament before falling to Phoenix 4-2 in the first round.
