LeBron James revelled in making more NBA history as he aims to cherish the special moments in the latter stage of his career.

James finished with 28 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Dallas Mavericks 124-104.

In the process, at the age of 41 years and 44 days, James became the oldest player in the NBA to score a triple-double.

He surpassed Karl Malone (40 years, 127 days), while James also scored or assisted each of the Lakers' 23 points in the first quarter.

"I'm more appreciative of moments like this in my career, understanding where I'm at," said James.

"I'm at the later stage of my journey, so definitely taking it in a little bit more.

"My game is not going anywhere. It's just my body. It's so many more factors that come with how long will I play the game.

"I don't think my game will ever suffer if I decided to continue to go, however long that is. I just think it has to be [my mind]: How long can I stay in love with the process?

Have a night, 23 pic.twitter.com/l3iwx5Esw0

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 13, 2026

"Because that's always been my thing. If I can't continue to stay in love with the process, then if [my mental commitment] goes, then my body's going to go. And once my body goes, then it's a wrap.

"Then the love goes, and then the fun and all that stuff goes. So that's what it is. It's not my game that is deteriorating.

"And to be able to do it and get the win, that means more to me than anything, but I'm very blessed to play this game, play it at a high level."

Lakers coach JJ Redick insists the organisation do not take James for granted, even as he continues to defy his age.

"I don't take for granted how good he is, I recognise that on a daily basis," Redick said of James, who is in the final year of his Lakers deal.

"It's really just the day-to-day professionalism and care factor that he exhibits that is the most remarkable thing.

"He's got a 23-year prime, basically. And there's different versions of him, but that's what's remarkable."

Mavs coach Jason Kidd, who himself played until he was 40, said: "It just shows someone who's taken care of his body and his mind up to this point is playing the game the right way, and at a high level."