LeBron James just keeps breaking the rules of what’s possible. Nearing 40, the King went out and stacked up three triple-doubles in a row, like he’s got no plans to slow down. Just last game, he threw down a 35-point, 14-assist, 12-rebound line against the Grizzlies, reminding everyone that he’s still the Lakers’ ultimate weapon. LeBron’s doing things out there that even most young stars can’t pull off, and it’s wild to think he’s been going at this level for over two decades.
- 1. Karl Malone – 40 Years Old, 127 Days
- 2. LeBron James – 39 Years Old, 319 Days
- 3. LeBron James – 39 Years Old, 106 Days
- 4. Tim Duncan – 38 Years Old, 224 Days
- 5. Elvin Hayes – 38 Years Old, 148 Days
- 6. LeBron James – 38 Years Old, 92 Days
- 7. Jason Kidd – 37 Years Old, 343 Days
- 8. Pau Gasol – 37 Years Old, 170 Days
- 9. Dwyane Wade – 37 Years Old, 84 Days
- 10. LeBron James – 37 Years Old, 81 Days
This streak of triple-doubles got us thinking about other NBA vets who’ve managed to hit this milestone late in their careers. These guys proved age is just a number and brought everything they had left to the court. Let’s dive into the list of legends who hit triple-doubles while most players are thinking about retirement.
Requirements: Since LeBron has multiple triple-doubles in the last couple of seasons, we’ll pick his latest one each campaign.
1. Karl Malone – 40 Years Old, 127 Days
Statline: 10 PTS, 11 REB, 10 AST, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 4-9 FG
Karl Malone was well into his 40s when he pulled off a triple-double against the Spurs on November 28, 2003. The “Mailman” was playing for the Lakers by then, and at 40 years and 127 days old, he set the record as the oldest player to notch a triple-double. With 10 points, 11 boards, and 10 assists, he showed everyone he still had some gas left in the tank, leading L.A. to a solid 103-87 win.
Malone’s game was all about timing and smarts at that point. He wasn’t putting up the massive scoring nights of his Utah days, but his 4-of-9 shooting, 10 dimes, and 11 rebounds spoke to his ability to impact the game in every way possible. He also added a block, using that veteran savvy to contribute on both ends. Sharing the court with Kobe and Shaq, he knew exactly when to pick his spots, dishing out assists and grabbing rebounds to help the Lakers stay on top.
This was actually Malone’s fourth and final career triple-double, and it was a fitting way for him to make history. Even in his last season, he played a key role with a title-contending team. It wasn’t about flashy stats anymore; it was about using his experience to make winning plays. For Lakers fans, it was a treat to see an all-time great like Malone make his mark, reminding everyone that age was just a number for the Mailman.
2. LeBron James – 39 Years Old, 319 Days
Statline: 35 PTS, 12 REB, 14 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 13-22 FG, 4-7 3PM
LeBron James is straight-up ignoring the aging process. On his latest game, at nearly 40, he notched his fourth triple-double of the season, leading the Lakers to a 128-123 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. He put up 35 points, grabbed 12 boards, and dished out 14 assists, showing he’s still one of the best all-around players in the league, no matter how long he’s been at it.
This was LeBron’s third triple-double in a row, which is wild considering most players slow down by their late 30s. But here he is, shooting 13-of-22 from the field and 4-of-7 from three, and running the Lakers’ offense like he’s still in his prime. He made it look easy, timing every pass and scoring exactly when his team needed it.
LeBron’s been in the league for over 20 years, but his impact hasn’t faded one bit. His play is a massive reason the Lakers are looking good this season, and each game feels like he’s adding another chapter to his legendary career. At almost 40, he’s still out there dropping triple-doubles and redefining what’s possible for a veteran in the NBA.
3. LeBron James – 39 Years Old, 106 Days
Statline: 27 PTS, 10 REB, 11 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK, 10-20 FG, 2-5 3PM
Last season, LeBron James was still doing things on the court that most players half his age struggle to pull off. At 39 years and 106 days old, he notched his fifth triple-double of the season against the New Orleans Pelicans on April 14, 2024. With 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists, LeBron led the Lakers to a strong finish, capping off the regular season in style.
LeBron didn’t just play well—he dominated, hitting 10 of 20 from the field and knocking down two of his five three-point attempts. He added two steals and a block, doing a little bit of everything, just like he’s done for two decades. The fact that he was still putting up triple-doubles at 39 was a testament to his dedication and conditioning.
This triple-double against the Pelicans wasn’t just another game; it was LeBron showing, once again, that age really is just a number. With five triple-doubles over the season, he kept proving he’s still got the versatility, skill, and basketball IQ that make him one of the greatest to ever do it. As the Lakers headed into the playoffs, LeBron’s play sent a message to the league—he wasn’t done yet.
4. Tim Duncan – 38 Years Old, 224 Days
Statline: 14 PTS, 10 REB, 10 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK, 5-8 FG
Tim Duncan may have been 38, but in 2014, he showed he still had that Spurs magic in him. On December 2, 2014, against the Memphis Grizzlies, Duncan quietly put together a triple-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, leading San Antonio to a 107-101 victory. Known for his fundamentals and unflashy style, this game was vintage Duncan—efficient, smart, and right on time.
Duncan hit 5 of his 8 shots, controlling the paint, moving the ball, and even adding a couple of steals and a block to his stat line. He wasn’t going to throw down highlight-reel dunks, but his positioning, timing, and basketball IQ were on full display. Even at 38, he made things look effortless, finding his spots, setting up teammates, and anchoring the Spurs’ defense.
This triple-double was Duncan’s last in the regular season, capping a career filled with big-time performances and playoff heroics. That season, he helped lead the Spurs to a 55-27 record, proving that “The Big Fundamental” still had a huge role to play. His performance against the Grizzlies was a reminder of why he was such a respected veteran, showing that even in the later years, he was still one of the savviest players in the league.
5. Elvin Hayes – 38 Years Old, 148 Days
Statline: 16 PTS, 17 REB, 11 AST, 1 BLK, 7-20 FG
At 38 years and 148 days old, Elvin Hayes pulled off one last triple-double on April 13, 1984, against the San Antonio Spurs. Hayes put up 16 points, grabbed 17 boards, and dished out 11 assists, showing everyone that age wasn’t slowing him down just yet. Even though the Rockets lost in a close 129-128 overtime game, Hayes’ all-around performance was a classic reminder of why he was one of the game’s toughest and most dependable players.
Hayes may not have been the most efficient that night, hitting just 7 of his 20 shots, but he made his presence felt in every other way possible. Those 17 rebounds and 11 assists were a testament to his hustle and court vision, proving he could still impact the game from all angles. Adding a block to his line, Hayes was doing the dirty work that had defined his game since he entered the league.
This game marked Hayes’ final triple-double and a fitting end to a legendary career. Known for his grit, endurance, and determination, he went out showing that he could still go toe-to-toe with the best of them. It was one last glimpse of “The Big E” doing what he did best—fighting hard and giving it all until the final buzzer.
6. LeBron James – 38 Years Old, 92 Days
Statline: 18 PTS, 10 REB, 11 AST, 1 BLK, 8-18 FG, 1-7 3PM
LeBron James was still out there racking up triple-doubles like he was in his 20s a couple of seasons ago. On April 2, 2023, he put up 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists against the Rockets, leading the Lakers to an easy 134-109 win. This was LeBron’s second triple-double of the season, showing that, even at nearly 40, he’s still one of the most well-rounded players in the league.
LeBron’s 8-for-18 shooting and 11 assists kept the Lakers’ offense flowing, proving that he’s still got all the playmaking skills, vision, and leadership that have defined his career. That 1-of-7 from three? Not his best night from deep, but it didn’t matter—he was still running the show and setting the pace.
With two triple-doubles that season, LeBron reminded everyone that age is just a number. His mix of skill, basketball IQ, and court presence hasn’t faded, making him a constant triple-double threat no matter the year.
7. Jason Kidd – 37 Years Old, 343 Days
Statline: 13 PTS, 10 REB, 13 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 5-9 FG, 3-5 3PM
Just shy of turning 38, Jason Kidd went out on March 1, 2011, and dropped a triple-double on the Philadelphia 76ers, putting up 13 points, 10 boards, and 13 dimes in a 101-93 win for the Mavs. This was Kidd’s second triple-double of the season, and even with all those years in the league, he was still running the show and making it look easy.
Kidd was all over the place, hitting 5 of his 9 shots and knocking down 3 of 5 from deep. His court vision was still as sharp as ever, threading passes and setting up his teammates just like he’d been doing for decades. That game was peak Kidd—no flash, all fundamentals, and keeping everything under control.
With this kind of performance, Kidd showed that age was just a number. His triple-double against Philly was a perfect example of why he was a key piece for the Mavericks that year, eventually helping them snag a championship.
8. Pau Gasol – 37 Years Old, 170 Days
Statline: 14 PTS, 11 REB, 10 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 5-9 FG
At 37 years and 170 days old, Pau Gasol put up a triple-double on December 23, 2017, in the San Antonio Spurs’ 108-99 win over the Sacramento Kings. With 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, Pau showed he still had plenty of gas left in the tank, doing a little bit of everything to help the Spurs get the W. This was his 10th career triple-double, and it reminded everyone just how well-rounded his game was, even this deep into his career.
Gasol was efficient, hitting 5-of-9 from the field and sinking all 4 of his free throws. He wasn’t out there just to score; Pau was setting up his teammates and pulling down boards, making sure his impact was felt in every way possible. His court vision and passing were on point, orchestrating plays from the high post and finding open shooters just like he’d done for years.
This performance was classic Gasol: smart, skilled, and effective. Even at 37, he proved he was still a valuable piece for the Spurs. His ability to adapt his game with age kept him relevant and solidified his legacy as one of the most skilled big men in NBA history.
9. Dwyane Wade – 37 Years Old, 84 Days
Statline: 25 PTS, 11 REB, 10 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 10-28 FG, 3-10 3PM
In his last NBA game ever, at 37 years and 84 days old, Dwyane Wade went out with a bang, putting up a triple-double on April 10, 2019, against the Brooklyn Nets. With 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, Wade made sure his farewell performance was one to remember—even though the Heat fell 113-94, this game was all about celebrating a legend. Wade didn’t hold back, giving the Miami crowd one last look at his all-around greatness.
He took 28 shots, sinking 10 of them, and hit 3 of his 10 threes. Wade was in full throwback mode, grabbing boards, setting up teammates, and attacking like it was his prime. This was his fifth career triple-double and his only one that season—talk about going out on a high note.
With LeBron, Carmelo, and CP3 cheering him on from the sidelines, Wade’s goodbye had an extra layer of meaning. The arena was buzzing, with fans chanting his name and honoring the player who brought Miami three championships and countless iconic moments. Wade’s final triple-double was the perfect end to a career built on big plays, passion, and heart. It wasn’t just a game; it was a well-deserved victory lap for one of the NBA’s all-time greats.
10. LeBron James – 37 Years Old, 81 Days
Statline: 38 PTS, 11 REB, 12 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 17-29 FG
When LeBron James faced off against the Cavaliers on March 21, 2022, he made sure it was a night to remember. At 37 years and 81 days old, he went off for 38 points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists, leading the Lakers to a 131-120 win and showing his old squad he’s still got that spark. This was one of six triple-doubles he stacked up that season, and it was classic LeBron—attacking the basket, dropping dimes, and controlling the game.
LeBron hit 17 of his 29 shots, and while his threes weren’t falling (0-for-4 from deep), he more than made up for it by bulldozing into the paint. His 12 assists kept the offense humming, while his 11 boards showed he still wasn’t afraid to get physical. This game was pure vintage LeBron, blending scoring and playmaking like only he can.
Going up against Cleveland, the team where it all began, added that extra layer. With six triple-doubles on the season, LeBron was still proving he could impact every part of the game, putting on a show in a city that knows his greatness all too well.
