SAN ANTONIO – Last year, LeBron James made history when he was named MVP of the inaugural season tournament. On Friday night, as the Los Angeles Lakers opened their tournament defense, he made personal history.

James scored the Lakers’ final four points in a 120-115 group stage victory over the San Antonio Spurs, finishing with 15 points, 16 rebounds and 12 assists for his fourth straight triple-double – the most he has had in a row during his 22-season career.

And he did it on a night where he said he was “playing like s—” and “wasn’t in a good rhythm” after taking a season-high 12 shot attempts and committing a season-high seven turnovers.

“The best thing about my game is that I can have (no) rhythm offensively and still have an impact on the game,” James said. “I was able to do that tonight.”

It was the 1,504th regular season game of James’ career, tying him for fifth all-time with John Stockton, as the 39-year-old star ticked past 57,000 regular season minutes. James was asked if he was more surprised that he broke his personal triple-double streak at this stage of his career or that it took him so long to do so.

“I probably did it in season 22,” he said after notching his 117th career triple-double, fifth all-time. “To still have the energy and the effort to do that, it takes a lot. But it also takes great teammates. Those assists only happen when guys make shots, and I just try to put the ball out there.” time, on goal and then rebounding defensively and trying to help out on the glass with (Anthony Davis) and the rest of the guys and sprinkle some points in there every now and then.

“But waiting 22 years to do something is wild, so that’s a good question.”

James tied the Lakers’ franchise record for consecutive triple-doubles set by Russell Westbrook (December 25-31, 2021) and Magic Johnson, who did it twice (March 28-November 3, 1981 and March 31-April 5). 1987).

Davis led Los Angeles with 40 points and 12 rebounds. Austin Reaves (19 points), Dalton Knecht (14), D’Angelo Russell (13) and Max Christie (11) also scored in double figures.

“I think when Bron has the mentality to dominate the game like that, it allows everyone else to step up and shoot,” Reaves said. “And it’s clear that AD is going to do what AD does. He’s done it every night so far this year.”

James is now averaging 9.6 assists per game, the second-highest mark of his career and third-best in the NBA this season, behind only the Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic (11.7) and the Atlanta Hawks’ Trae Young (11 ,3).

James was referring to his 27.2% usage rate, the lowest of his career.

“So the ball is not in my hands as much as it was in the past,” he said. “But I still find ways and my guys find ways to get me the ball, and I can find them in the half court or in early transition. Those guys are knocking down shots.”

Lakers coach JJ Redick credited James with setting an example by being physical at the plate — a goal of the group’s coaching staff. Now twelve games into the 82-game season, with the Lakers holding the fifth-best record in the Western Conference at 8-4, James’ presence makes it easier for Redick to implement his playbook with the team.

“I think the biggest thing we’ve seen as a staff is that as we continue to build out the offensive system and the playcalling form, it’s very easy for him and AD to get the ball in the right places,” said Redick.