LeBron James Makes NBA History in Lakers-Rockets Game 1

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 10: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half of a game against the Phoenix Suns at Crypto.com Arena on April 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a stunning win on Saturday night for their Game 1 battle against the Houston Rockets.

Amid the game, LeBron James hit yet another historical feat. The superstar forward became the oldest player in NBA Playoff history to record a double-double with points and assists.

James checked in for 38 minutes on Saturday night. The veteran forward shot 9-15 from the field. He scored 19 points. James also dished out 13 assists. He came down with eight rebounds, coming just two boards shy of a triple-double for the night.

On defense, LeBron came up with two steals and one block.

via RealApp on X: LeBron James tonight:

19 PTS
8 REB
13 AST
60% FG

The oldest player in NBA playoff history to record a points/assists double-double.

Real App

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LeBron James tonight:

19 PTS 8 REB 13 AST 60% FG

The oldest player in NBA playoff history to record a points/assists double-double.

11:31 pm · 18 Apr 2026

327 Reply Copy link Read 3 replies

James is the second-oldest player in NBA Playoff history to log a double-double with Saturday’s performance. He trails former Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. That record was made when Abdul-Jabbar was 42 years old. He achieved that mark in 1989.

The Lakers Take Game 1 vs Houston

Heading into the series, LeBron James knew he would have to carry a lot of the weight. The Lakers are missing two of their top scorers in Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic.

The former sharpshooter is dealing with an oblique injury. The latter is battling a hamstring strain. Neither player has a timeline for their return in place. Therefore, the Lakers are unsure just how long they’ll be shorthanded.

In the meantime, LeBron James is doing a little bit of everything, while getting plenty of help from the supporting cast.

Each starter logged double-digit scoring on Saturday night, while Luke Kennard led the way in his Lakers playoff debut. The veteran sharpshooter checked in for 38 minutes and scored 27 points. Kennard hit five three-pointers, which tied a Lakers franchise record for most threes made in a playoff debut with the team.

Despite being heavy underdogs heading into the series, the Lakers took care of business against a Kevin Durant-less Rockets team with a 107-98 win.

LeBron James and the Lakers will host the Rockets again on Tuesday, April 21, for Game 2.