LeBron James’ Triple-Double in Year 22 Surprises NBA Fans as Lakers Beat George, 76ers | News, results, highlights, stats and rumours

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 8: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers starts a layup during a 116-106 Lakers win over the Philadelphia 76ers at Crypto.com Arena on November 8, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photograph, User consents to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Harry How/Getty Images

Returning to Los Angeles after a five-game road trip was exactly what the Lakers needed to get back on track as LeBron James recorded a triple-double in a 116-106 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday.

You’d never know James was in his 22nd NBA season and seven weeks away from his 40th birthday. He finished with 21 points on 9-of-14 shooting, 13 assists and 12 rebounds in 34 minutes to earn his 41st triple-double as a member of the Lakers.

James has been on a heater to start the season. He has given up some of his scoring output to lift Anthony Davis, but the level of efficiency he is playing with is incredible at this stage of his career.

Davis continues to be unstoppable when he plays. He had 31 points, nine rebounds and four blocks against the Sixers. The Lakers forward has scored at least 30 points in six of his eight games.

Hoop Central @TheHoopCentral

Anthony Davis this season:
36 PTS, 16 RIB, 4 AST
35 PTS, 8 ROPE, 4 AST
31 PTS, 9 RIB, 2 AST
29 PTS, 15 RIB, 3 AST
22 PTS, 13 RIB, 2 AST
38 PTS, 11 RIB, 2 AST
37 PTS, 9 RIB, 4 AST
31 PTS, 9 REB, 4 BLK
MVP front runner. pic.twitter.com/7wG8bIDTo9

James received a lot of praise for what he did to help the Lakers get back on track after losing four of their last five games.

BronMuse @BronMuse

LeBron James this season:
23.7 PPG
8.1 APG
7.4 RPG
52% FG
47.1% 3PT on 5.7 attempts
79% FT
He turns 40 next month. pic.twitter.com/WlzNna4BKj

Skip Bayless @RealSkipBayless

LeBron James: Still the best passer in basketball.

BlockBet @BlockBetGG

AD MVP. LeBron GOT.

Akinyode Ifeoluwa Temitope @taiwo1989

The King LeBron James

StatMuse @state muse

LeBron tonight:
21 PTS
12 RIB
13 AST
3 BLK
The first Laker since the Magic to reach those numbers in a game. pic.twitter.com/vGhg8fLjUb

The 76ers aren’t really in position to challenge anyone right now as they fell to 1-7 with the loss. They again played without Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, resulting in a rather lifeless performance from the offense.

Paul George had an abysmal shooting game with just nine points on 4-of-13 shooting (0-of-8 from three-point range). He had eight assists, but it wasn’t nearly enough to overcome the offense of James and Davis.

JJ Redick’s formula for the Lakers really isn’t complicated. He maximizes Davis’ offensive abilities while letting James do what he’s done for 22 years now. When that duo is on the floor together, the team is nearly unstoppable.

As long as both superstars can stay healthy all season, the Lakers will be in contention for a top six seed in the Western Conference and avoid the play-in tournament.

Next up for James and the Lakers is a home game against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday at 9:30 p.m. ET. Los Angeles defeated Toronto 131-125 at ScotiaBank Arena in the first meeting between these two teams this season on Nov. 1.