LOS ANGELES, Calif -- The Lakers go into the All-Star break on a high note with their 15th win this season at Crypto.com Arena behind a historic night from LeBron James.
The Lakers pushed past the Mavericks behind James' first triple-double of the season, beating Dallas 124-104 for the third time this season on Thursday to snap a two-game skid.
LeBron James finished with 28 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists to become the oldest player in NBA history at 41 years and 44 days old with a triple-double.
It was the 123rd triple-double of his career and the fourth straight game James has finished with 10 or more assists.
"To be able to do it and get the win, that's what means more to me than anything. I've been very blessed to play this game, play at a high level and was able to do it again tonight," James said.
Luka Dončić continued to be sidelined against his former team, missing his fourth consecutive game with a hamstring strain. He was seen warming up and putting up shots before the Lakers took on the Mavs, going through drills with team coaches while his favorite Slovenian music played for everyone in the building.
Dončić's status to play in the All-Star game remains unclear, as coach JJ Redick responded with "that's above my pay grade" when he was asked if he'd participate this weekend.
The Lakers came out strong to start the game with an immediate 14-4 jump after hitting six of their first seven shot attempts. It forced the game's first timeout from Dallas head coach Jason Kidd after the run was ended by back-to-back 3s from LeBron James—they would be James' only 3s of the game.
Then the Mavs shook off their cold start to outscore the Lakers 27-22 the rest of the way behind former Laker Max Christie. Christie finished tied for a team-high 19 points.
The Lakers kept their push against a Mavs team without No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg until a switch in momentum for the Mavs turned the tide before halftime. Dallas went on a 19-7 run to end the first half after the Lakers gained a 13-point lead.
The third quarter would be the difference maker and solidify the result. The Lakers would end the third quarter on a strong 15-4 run and continue their momentum to a 22-point lead—their largest of the game.
L.A. went on to outscore Dallas 60-41 in the entire second half.
Hachimura would help close out the Mavs, finishing the game second behind James with 21 points on nine of 13 (69%) shooting. Austin Reaves continued to come off the bench in his minutes at the 25 to 28 minute mark. He only attempted 10 shots on the night but finished third on the team with 18 points in 28 minutes.
Hayes gave the Lakers a high-flying effort at the starting center spot with Deandre Ayton missing his second straight game. Hayes had multiple roaring dunks in preparation for the All-Star Game dunk contest throughout the game, even finishing with a monster two-handed slam on the possession James secured his final rebound to get him the triple-double.
The Lakers are 32-21 going into the All-Star break for fifth place in the Western Conference; last season, they went into the break with a 32-20 record.