🔗 Share this article

The Lakers star knew his historic streak of reaching double digits was at risk. When it mattered most, though, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision involved passing the rock – so he did. With that selfless act, the legendary streak finished.

James's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances concluded during a recent game, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to eight total points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus Toronto. He made the game-winning assist, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer to win the game.

“Nothing,” James replied after being questioned about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

A Selfless Play Seals the Game

James could have tried to secure the game – and preserved his record – with the last shot, yet he opted to pass to Hachimura in the left corner. Hachimura sank it, with LeBron raised his arms immediately.

“Just playing the game the proper way. Make the smart play,” James noted. “That’s just been my M.O.. That is the way I was instructed to play. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

“LeBron is very conscious of his point total he's scored during a game,” said the team's head coach JJ Redick. He acted just as he has countless times.”

The Record's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the game one last time at under five and a half minutes to go, the win along with the historic run up for grabs. At that stage, he had only six points on a 3-for-15 performance then.

He scored at 1:46 left to knot the score but then missed a mid-range jumper at one minute to go which could have gotten him to double digits.

He passed up a subsequent shot – even though he had a chance. A teammate 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 will repay you,” the coach concluded.

A Look Back at a Staggering Record

This incredible run started over eighteen years ago. 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 had the fourth-longest run at 575.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” remarked teammate a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing hoops. He could have shot but because of who he is on the court and just who he is as a person, he chose the team play, passed it to Rui and secured the game.”

Reaching double digits had long been a formality well before the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had achieved double figures entering the fourth 1,266 times before this game.

Yet two such single-digit games after three periods had occurred just days before: He had nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, followed by six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it concluded – but he still rejoiced anyway.

“I always just make the best play. That comes naturally, no matter what,” James affirmed. When you make the smart play, the game gods are always returning the favor.”