By Dionysis Aravantinos / info@eurohoops.net
Over the past decade or so, the NBA has become faster, with more possessions, rebounds, assists, and points. Last season, Russell Westbrook averaged a triple-double for the season becoming just the second player in NBA history to do it (!) and finally won the MVP award as well. Other players, like LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, James Harden, Nikola Jokic flirt with triple-doubles night in and night out.
On November 11, 2017, Lonzo Ball put his name in NBA history as he became the youngest player in the history of the NBA to record a triple-double. He finished with 19 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists in a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks but he managed to become the youngest player to ever have these type of numbers across the board. Lonzo Ball was just five days younger than LeBron James’ first ever triple-double in 2005.
Moreover, Eurohoops brings you the five youngest NBA players (performances) to record a triple-double in the history of the association.
Lonzo Ball (20 years, 15 days)
– Date: November 11th, 2017
– Stats: 19 points, 13 rebounds, 12 assists
The 20-year-old Los Angeles Lakers rookie had a night to remember in Milwaukee, even though his team did not get the win over Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Bucks. Lonzo Ball surpassed Lebron James by just five days to become the youngest NBA player ever to post a triple-double. Ball, commented on his accomplishment after the game: “I really don’t care, we took a loss, so it does not mean anything.
Besides his 19 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists, Ball also had three steals and four blocks, and according to Basketball-Reference, no player has reached these type of numbers since 1983-84.
For the season, the no. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, is averaging 9.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game. He has had some pretty impressive games, against Phoenix and Milwaukee but his low shooting percentages of 31.4% from the field and 25.0% from the three-point line have kept his numbers relatively low.
LeBron James (20 years, 20 days)
– Date: 19th January 2005
– Stats: 27 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists
Out of the 56 triple-doubles, LeBron James has ever put up, his first one in January 2005 was really impressive as he was just 20 years of age. Against the Portland Trail Blazers, LeBron James led his team to a 107-101 victory, as he posted an impressive line of 27 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists to become at the time, the youngest player to put up a triple-double.
For his career, LeBron James has played 1074 games and averaged: 27.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 7.0 assists showcasing his incredible all-around skills, high basketball IQ and ability to score the basketball. These stats show how he can flirt with a triple-double almost every night as he has the ability, the skills, and talent to post up these types of numbers.