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The Lakers star knew his historic streak of putting up 10+ points was in danger. When it mattered most, though, it didn't concern him.

The right decision meant distributing the basketball – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, his remarkable run came to an end.

James's staggering run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten ended during a recent game, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to eight points in the Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He made the game-winning assist, feeding Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer to win the game.

“None,” James replied after being questioned on the record concluding. “The important thing is we won.”

A Selfless Decision Delivers the Win

He might have sought to clinch the contest – while also extending the streak – on the final possession, yet he opted to make the extra pass to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, and James exulted triumphantly.

“Just playing the game correctly. Always make the right play,” James explained. That is how I operate. It's how I was taught to play. I’ve done that my whole career.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of how many points he's scored during a game,” said the team's head coach JJ Redick. He acted like he’s done so many times.”

The Record's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the game one last time at just over five minutes left, the result and the streak both hanging in the balance. At that stage, he had a mere six points from a 3-for-15 performance then.

He managed a basket at 1:46 left to knot the score but then missed a mid-range jumper with 1:01 left that might have pushed him to ten points.

He avoided taking one more attempt – but could have. Austin Reaves passed him the ball in the waning seconds, but James chose to make the extra pass instead.

The spirits of the game, when you play it the right way, they will repay you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at a Staggering Run

This incredible run started on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the most extended such streak the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787, and The Mailman was fourth on the list with 575.

LeBron is such a team-oriented player,” remarked teammate a fellow Laker.

He simply plays the sport. He had the opportunity but due to his nature as a player and just who he is as a person, he chose the team play, found Rui and claimed the game.”

Getting to ten points had typically been a formality early in the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had attained double figures by the start of the fourth 1,266 times coming into the contest.

Yet two such single-digit games after three periods took place in the last week: He recorded nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, then had six going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

He succeeded in extend the streak in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it finished – yet he was celebrating all the same.

“I always just make the best play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James said. “You make the unselfish play, the sports deities consistently returning the favor.”