In a momentous night for the NBA, LeBron James, at 41 years old, rewrote the record books by delivering a spectacular triple-double performance, making him the most seasoned player in league history to achieve such a feat. His extraordinary effort propelled the Los Angeles Lakers to a decisive victory over the Dallas Mavericks, providing a strong finish before the All-Star break. Concurrently, other teams like the Portland Trail Blazers and Milwaukee Bucks secured important wins, contributing to an exciting period of basketball action.
Basketball Highlights: James' Record, Blazers' Victory, and Bucks' Road Triumph
On Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the iconic Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, basketball icon LeBron James delivered a performance for the ages. The Los Angeles Lakers' forward, clad in his number 23 jersey, not only guided his team to a commanding 124-104 win against the Dallas Mavericks but also made history by becoming the oldest player in the NBA to register a triple-double. James, at 41 years young, showcased his enduring brilliance with 28 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds, marking his first triple-double of the current season in his 36th game.
The Lakers' victory was a collective effort, with notable contributions from Rui Hachimura, who tallied 21 points, Austin Reaves, adding 18 points off the bench, and Jaxson Hayes, who chipped in with 16 points. This win was particularly significant as the Lakers were without star player Luka Doncic, who missed his fourth consecutive game due to a hamstring injury, and Deandre Ayton, sidelined with a knee injury for his second consecutive game. The win also snapped a two-game losing streak for Los Angeles and improved their season record against the Mavericks to an unblemished 3-0.
For the visiting Dallas Mavericks, who are grappling with a challenging season, Naji Marshall and Max Christie each contributed 19 points. The loss marked their ninth consecutive defeat, representing their longest losing streak since the 1997-98 season. Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg was notably absent from the game and will also miss the upcoming Rising Stars contest during the All-Star festivities.
In other thrilling league action, the Portland Trail Blazers triumphed over the Utah Jazz with a 135-119 scoreline in Salt Lake City. Jrue Holiday was the star for Portland, achieving a season-high 31 points, alongside nine rebounds and seven assists. Donovan Clingan further bolstered the Blazers' performance with 23 points, 18 rebounds, and seven assists, contributing to their fourth win in five games. For the Jazz, Brice Sensabaugh led the scoring with 28 points, including five three-pointers, while Kyle Filipowski amassed 15 points, nine rebounds, and a career-best six steals.
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks secured a road victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder, winning 110-93. Ousmane Dieng, making his first appearance against his former team since being traded, delivered a standout performance with a season-high 19 points and 11 rebounds, marking his inaugural career double-double. AJ Green added 17 points, as seven Bucks players reached double-digit scoring. The Thunder, missing key ball-handlers Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, as well as sixth man Ajay Mitchell, struggled offensively, with Isaiah Joe leading their scoring with 17 points and Chet Holmgren contributing 16 points and 13 rebounds.
LeBron James' remarkable achievement underscores not only his unparalleled longevity and dedication to the sport but also serves as an inspiration to athletes across all disciplines. It highlights the importance of consistent performance and relentless pursuit of excellence, regardless of age. The dynamic nature of the NBA, with unexpected heroes emerging and teams battling through challenges, reinforces the league's enduring appeal and the sheer excitement of professional basketball.
