This isn't normal. No matter how jaded you may be from seeing LeBron James perpetually put off the decline that every player in NBA history has experienced at—and, quite frankly, years before—his age, it's imperative that you remember that what he's doing is so far beyond the realm of normal that there isn't yet a word to describe it.
Unique is a relatively adequate attempt at defining what James is doing at 39 years of age, but even that sells it short.
On Wednesday, Nov. 13, James took that historically unprecedented success to an entirely new level. With Anthony Davis battling plantar fasciitis and an eye injury, the Lakers needed someone to step up and lead the charge against a Memphis Grizzlies squad that had defeated L.A. just seven days prior.
James took the adversity in stride, putting the team on his back with 35 points, 14 assists, 12 rebounds, and a steal as Los Angeles emerged victorious, 128-123.
ANOTHER ONE 🤯 pic.twitter.com/ptIGuUMI7X
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 14, 2024
It was a stunning display from James, who continued to etch his name into record books that always seem to have his name somewhere within them.
LeBron James becomes oldest player in NBA history with three straight triple-doubles
The clash with Memphis marked James' third straight triple-double and Los Angeles' third consecutive win. It was his fourth triple-double in under a month and the fifth time in six games that he dished out double-digit assist numbers.
As a result, James became the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double in three consecutive games.
For perspective on how insane that is: James set the record by breaking one he already held. Jason Kidd achieved the feat in 2008 at 34 years and 291 days of age, but James had already set the new standard at 34 years and 310 days in 2019.
Five years later, at 39 years and 319 days—just 46 days shy of turning 40—James proved once more that he is the greatest statistical anomaly in NBA history.
If you're rolling your eyes because you've become accustomed to these feats of superhuman ability and longevity, think that over. How great does an athlete need to be for members of the general populace to be unfazed by their brilliance whenever they make history?
Whether you think he's the greatest of all time or not, I implore you to appreciate the unprecedented in the moment—as the alternative is missing out on an experience that may never be available again.
James has already established his place in history as a four-time NBA champion, four-time Finals MVP, and four-time regular season MVP. He has more All-NBA appearances than any other player, is the Association's all-time leading scorer, and has achieved just about everything there is to accomplish.
No matter how you view his success, every time he does something spectacular could be the last time you can see him do it—you know, based on the historical precedent he's already torn to shreds.