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The Lakers star knew his historic streak of reaching double digits was in danger. When it mattered most, however, it was not his focus.

The smart move was to pass the basketball – so he did. Following that play, the unprecedented record came to an end.

LeBron's astounding streak of over 1,200 straight regular-season outings scoring at least ten concluded during a recent game, when the league's career points king was limited to a mere eight points during the Lakers' close win against the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the clutch helper, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura for a triple at the buzzer.

“None,” James said when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

A Selfless Decision Delivers Victory

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the contest – and preserved his record – on the final possession, instead, he decided to pass to his teammate on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, prompting James exulted triumphantly.

You have to play the game the proper way. Always make the correct play,” James noted. That has always been my philosophy. It's how I was taught to play. I've played that way throughout my career.”

He is very conscious exactly how many points he has at all times,” commented Lakers coach the coach. He acted like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Streak's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the game for the final time at just over five minutes left, the win and the streak both hanging in the balance. His tally was a mere six points from 3-of-15 shooting then.

He scored with 1:46 left to tie the game then missed a 14-footer with one minute to go that would have taken him to double digits.

He passed up a subsequent shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves passed him the ball in the waning seconds, but James chose to make the pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, when you play it the right way, they tend to bless you,” Redick stated.

Reflecting on a Monumental Record

The record began back in January 2007. It stood as the most extended streak of its kind in professional basketball: Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787 such games, and The Mailman recorded at 575.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” remarked Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the sport. He could have shot but given who he is on the court and his character as a person, he executed the pass, found Rui and secured the game.”

Reaching double digits had long been a guarantee long before the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had attained the 10-point mark by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

But two of those unusual single-digit games after three periods took place recently: He recorded nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, followed by six points going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

James managed to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it was over – and he celebrated all the same.

I only ever make the right play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. When you make the right play, the basketball gods are always giving back to me.”