Analyzing LeBron James Triple-Double Performances: A Closer Look at How He's Still Getting It Done

It’s a brand new year, but the Los Angeles Lakers are still in full swing of things as they continue their regular season.

It goes without saying, but when LeBron James is performing at an outstanding rate for a player of his age.

Let’s take a closer look at just how the 4x MVP is still getting it done at age 36.

Age is Just a Number

LeBron James just celebrated his birthday last December 30 and has turned 36 years old. Entering his 18th year in the NBA and coming off fresh from his 4th title in his career, LeBron has been showing all of the doubters that he has no plans of slowing down just yet as he won yet another Finals MVP award — his 4th in his career as well.

With his triple-double performance, LeBron has made a statement. LeBron has started off the season a little slow in his standards, but yesterday’s performance was his way of telling the world that he is still one of the game’s top players. He really showed his whole arsenal, getting to the basket, shooting from the outside, facilitating the offense, getting boards, and even playing exceptional defense.

LeBron finished 2nd in the MVP race last season, falling behind back-to-back winner Giannis Antetokounmpo. It looks like this season; he will be in the MVP conversation once again if he continues stellar performances like this.

Efficiency is Key

LeBron James is one of the best all-around players of all-time, but he is also one of the smartest and most efficient players. In the game against the Spurs, he showcased how smart and efficient he really is. He had the slowest pace in the game among all the players who stepped on the court with a pace of 97.52, which means he really chose to use his energy wisely.

Though he had the slowest pace, he had the highest Player Impact Estimate (PIE) with 21.7.

This meant that he had the greatest influence on the whole game.

“The PIE formula compiles everything a single player does in a game — points scored, rebounds, blocks, missed free throws, etc. — and weighs that number against the same stats generated by everyone in that same game.”

LeBron is one of the best players on the planet, and these statistics can certainly affirm that.

If LeBron Plays Well, the Team Plays Well

To add to this already amazing performance, LeBron also had the largest point difference on the court with a +18 throughout the game, which means the Lakers played their best when he was on the court. LeBron certainly makes his teammates better, being a vocal leader on the court and giving them opportunities to score. He led the game with his 10 assists, and he makes basketball easier for his fellow Lakers.

LeBron also had the best net rating on the floor with a 23.3 net rating. The net rating basically shows how much a player affects a team, and the higher it is, the better the team plays when he is on the floor.