LeBron James, now in his 22nd NBA season, continues to amaze with his relentless pursuit of records. After a somewhat modest start to the 2024-25 season, James has significantly picked up his performance. On Wednesday night, as the Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the Memphis Grizzlies, LeBron delivered yet another outstanding game, demonstrating his all-around skills. He finished the night with a powerful triple-double, posting 35 points, 12 rebounds, and 14 assists, propelling the Lakers to a close 128-123 victory. This marked his fourth triple-double of the season and his third in a row, making him the oldest player in NBA history to record three consecutive triple-doubles, surpassing his own previous record set in 2019 when he was 34 years old.
The Lakers’ current three-game winning streak has coincided with James’ recent triple-double performances. Just days prior, James recorded 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists against the Philadelphia 76ers, followed by 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 16 assists against the Toronto Raptors. This hot streak has helped elevate the Lakers to a 7-4 record, placing them among the Western Conference’s early leaders. Entering Wednesday’s game, James had been averaging 23.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game, with these stats expected to rise even further after his dominant performance against Memphis.
The Lakers have been rejuvenated under new head coach JJ Redick, who has brought a refreshing style and strategy to the team. After parting ways with Darvin Ham last season, the Lakers turned to Redick, granting him his first head coaching role. So far, his leadership is paying off. The team looks far more dynamic on the court, even with a roster that’s nearly identical to last season. Although their defense still fluctuates—often depending on Anthony Davis staying healthy and in the lineup—the Lakers’ offense has been much more efficient.
A key shift under Redick’s coaching has been the emphasis on movement and creating opportunities for role players. Last season, the Lakers relied heavily on James and Davis in isolation or in a two-man setup to create scoring opportunities. Now, with Redick at the helm, the Lakers’ offense is more structured and strategic. Plays are drawn up to get everyone involved, and the ball moves fluidly, with James and Davis still serving as the cornerstones in the half-court but with much more team engagement.
Thanks to these adjustments, the Lakers’ offense has flourished, now ranking fifth in the league in offensive rating. With Redick’s influence and the players’ execution, the Lakers have become a formidable team. If they continue to build on this momentum, they’re poised to be a difficult opponent throughout the season.
