LOS ANGELES: Cleveland superstar LeBron James posted his 40th career triple-double -- and his first this season -- to lead the Cavaliers to a 120-100 NBA win over the reeling Sacramento Kings on Monday.
James had 21 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists and teammate Kyrie Irving added 32 points and 12 assists to pile on the misery for the Kings, who have lost four straight and eight of their last nine.
Sacramento coach George Karl reportedly could be fired before next weekend's All-Star break.
Cleveland were in control throughout, stretching a 16-point halftime lead to as many as 24 in the third quarter.
James capped his triple-double with his 10th rebound in the final minute of the third period.
He said he didn't realize until the end of the quarter that he had achieved the triple-double.
"I just go out and continue to play the game," James said. "If it happens, it happens. If it don't, it doesn't.
"The only concern is how we can close out quarters and win the ball game."
It was another encouraging performance from Irving, still returning to full strength after missing the first two months of the season as he continued to recover from the knee injury he suffered in the first game of last season's NBA Finals.
"I think we are just starting to settle into our roles every game out," Irving said. "Last few games felt really good."
Cavs forward Kevin Love, back from a one-game absence with a bruised thigh, scored 11 points and surpassed 9,000 for his career in the first half.
"We were happy that we were able to maintain the lead," Love said of a Cavaliers team that has sometimes struggled to finish off wins. "We were able to maintain and keep enough distance there."
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