LeBron James becomes oldest to average a triple-double for full month

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LeBron James added to his already historic 15th season on Tuesday by ensuring he would average a triple-double for February -- the first time the Cleveland Cavaliers star has ever hit that statistical milestone for an entire month.

James came into the Cavs' game against the Brooklyn Nets needing seven rebounds and six assists to secure the triple-double average (he already had more than enough points), and recorded the stats by the end of the third quarter -- as he had 23 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists heading into the fourth.

Not only was it a first for the 33-year-old's already-decorated career, but James also became the oldest player in NBA history to average a triple-double in a calendar month containing at least 10 games played, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. The previous oldest to do it was Wilt Chamberlain in March 1968 at 31 years old.

"My teammates are making shots ... and I couldn't do that without them," James said at Tuesday's shootaround when asked about the approaching accomplishment. "I just try to put the ball on time and on target if it's a cross-court pass to a shooter or an outlet pass to a streaking runner or a lob to one of my bigs. They actually have to make the shot for it to become an assist.

"Rebounding for me has always been instinctual. I'm not a big boxout guy, I've always kind of used my instincts and seeing the ball if it's coming off the rim, how it's coming off the backboard or off the guy's hands and just try to use my athleticism to get the rebounds.

"The scoring part is something I've kind of ... if I can get two layups a quarter or three layups a quarter then I'm going to get over 10 points a game. Scoring has always been last for me; I've never looked at myself as a scorer. But to know the history of the game and seeing the guys that put up triple-doubles on a regular (basis) -- from Jason Kidd to Magic Johnson to Oscar Robertson to Russell Westbrook, you can throw my name in there as well."

James also became the first player in league history to average a triple-double for an entire NBA Finals in the Cavs' 4-1 loss to the Golden State Warriors in June.

"To do it on a regular (basis), it's a very difficult task because you have so much responsibility offensively, defensively, defensive rebound, to assist, get guys involved to be able to put numbers on the board as well," James said. "It's very difficult, very challenging and it takes a lot of energy. It takes a lot of energy. But if you're built for it, you're built for it."

With 20-plus points on Tuesday, James also tied Michael Jordan for fourth place on the all-time list of 20-point performances with 926.

(ESPN)