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The Lakers star knew his incredible streak of scoring in double figures was at risk. At the decisive instant, however, it didn't concern him.

The smart move was to pass the ball – so he did. Following that play, his remarkable run came to an end.

LeBron's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten concluded on Thursday night, as basketball's greatest scorer was limited to eight total points during the Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He provided the decisive pass, setting up Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot as time expired.

“Zero,” James replied in response about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

A Selfless Choice Delivers the Game

James could have attempted to win the game – while also extending his record – with the last shot, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to his teammate on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, and James exulted with his hands in the air.

You have to play basketball the right way. Always make the right play,” James explained. That is my M.O.. It's how I was instructed the game. I’ve done that my whole career.”

“LeBron is fully cognizant of how many points he's scored at all times,” said Lakers coach the coach. He made the play just as he has so many times.”

The Record's End Game

LeBron checked back into the contest one last time with under five and a half minutes to go, the win and his personal record up for grabs. He had six points on a 3-for-15 performance then.

He managed a basket with 1:46 left to knot the score but then missed a mid-range jumper at one minute to go that might have gotten him to double digits.

He avoided taking one more attempt – but could have. A teammate found him in the waning seconds, however, James chose to make the pass instead.

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

The History of an Unparalleled Run

James's streak started back in January 2007. It was easily the greatest streak of its kind the league has ever seen: Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and The Mailman was fourth on the list of 575 games.

LeBron is such a team-oriented player,” remarked teammate Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays hoops. He had the opportunity but due to his nature as a player and his character off the court, he chose the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and claimed the victory.”

Reaching double digits was usually a guarantee early in the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had achieved the 10-point mark entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

However, two such single-digit games through three quarters had occurred recently: He recorded nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

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

My focus is to make the best play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James declared. If you make the right play, the sports deities forever giving back to me.”