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The Lakers star knew his incredible run of scoring in double figures was in danger. In that crucial moment, however, it was not his focus.

The correct basketball play was to pass the rock – so he did. Consequently, the legendary streak came to an end.

LeBron's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points concluded on Thursday night, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with eight total points during the Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the clutch helper, setting up Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer to win the game.

“Nothing,” James replied after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

A Team-First Play Delivers Victory

James could have sought to clinch the contest – and extended the streak – on the final possession, instead, he decided to pass to his teammate on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, and James exulted triumphantly.

“Just playing basketball the right way. You always make the smart play,” James explained. “That’s just been my philosophy. It's how I was instructed the game. That's what I've done for two decades.”

James is fully cognizant exactly how many points he's scored at any point,” said Lakers coach the coach. He acted like he’s done so many times.”

The Record's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the floor one last time at under five and a half minutes to go, the win and his personal record both hanging in the balance. His tally was only six points from 3 for 15 from the field then.

He managed a basket at 1:46 left to tie the game then missed a shot with 1:01 left which could have gotten him to ten points.

He passed up a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves passed him the ball in the waning seconds, but James decided to make the pass instead.

The spirits of the game, when you play it correctly, they often repay you,” the coach concluded.

A Look Back at a Monumental Streak

James's streak started back in January 2007. It was easily the most extended double-digit streak in professional basketball: MJ had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run of 575 games.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” remarked teammate a fellow Laker.

He simply plays the game of basketball. He could have shot but because of who he is on the court and his personality as a person, he executed the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and secured the victory.”

Getting to ten points had typically been a guarantee well before the start of fourth quarters. Over the course of the record, he had reached double figures by the start of the fourth 1,266 times before this game.

Yet two such single-digit games through three quarters took place recently: He recorded nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, then had six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. One game later, it finished – but he still rejoiced regardless.

My focus is to make the right play. That is instinctive, no matter what,” James affirmed. When you make the unselfish play, the basketball gods consistently returning the favor.”