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The Lakers star knew his historic streak of scoring in double figures was at risk. At the decisive instant, however, it was not his focus.

The right decision was to pass the basketball – so he did. With that selfless act, his remarkable run was over.

James's unprecedented streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games with 10+ points ended during a recent game, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to a mere eight points during the Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He provided the game-winning assist, finding teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer as time expired.

“Nothing,” James stated after being questioned on the record concluding. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Decision Delivers Victory

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the game – and preserved his record – on the final possession, instead, he decided to dish the ball to his teammate on the wing. Hachimura sank it, and James celebrated with his hands in the air.

You have to play basketball the right way. Make the correct play,” James remarked. “That’s just been my philosophy. That is the way I was taught to play. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

“LeBron is fully cognizant exactly how many points he has during a game,” said the team's head coach JJ Redick. He made the play like he’s done countless times.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the game one last time with 5:23 remaining, the win and the streak on the line. He had six points from 3-of-15 shooting then.

He scored at 1:46 left to level the contest and missed a 14-footer at 1:01 left that might have gotten him to ten points.

He avoided taking another shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves passed him the ball in the waning seconds, yet LeBron decided to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you do it the right way, they will bless you,” Redick stated.

Reflecting on a Staggering Streak

The record commenced on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by far the greatest streak of its kind in professional basketball: Michael Jordan had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787, and The Mailman was fourth on the list with 575.

“He’s such a team-oriented player,” remarked teammate a fellow Laker.

He simply plays the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but because of who he is on the court and just who he is as an individual, he chose the unselfish play, found Rui and secured the victory.”

Getting to ten points was usually an afterthought long before the final period. Throughout his run, he had attained the 10-point mark by the start of the fourth over twelve hundred times before this game.

Yet two of those unusual games below ten points through three quarters took place recently: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, and then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive against the Suns. The very next outing, it finished – but he still rejoiced anyway.

My focus is to make the correct play. That’s automatic, regardless of outcome,” James said. When you make the right play, the basketball gods forever rewarding me.”