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The Lakers star knew his historic streak of reaching double digits was at risk. At the decisive instant, though, he wasn't bothered.

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

LeBron's unprecedented streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances concluded on Thursday night, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only a mere eight points in the Lakers' 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He provided the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer as time expired.

“Zero,” James replied when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

An Unselfish Choice Delivers the Game

James could have attempted to win the contest – and preserved the streak – with the last shot, instead, he decided to pass to Rui in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, and James exulted triumphantly.

It's about playing the game the proper way. You always make the smart play,” James remarked. That has always been how I operate. That is the way I learned the game. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

“LeBron is very conscious of his point total he's scored at any point,” said the team's head coach the coach. “He did it as he has done throughout his career.”

The Run's Final Moments

He returned to the game one last time at 5:23 remaining, the outcome and his personal record on the line. At that stage, he had only 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 shot at 1:01 left that would have taken him to ten points.

He didn’t take a subsequent shot – but could have. Austin Reaves passed him the ball as time wound down, yet LeBron decided to make the pass instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you do it the right way, they often reward you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on a Monumental Streak

James's streak started back in January 2007. It was, by far the most extended such streak the league has ever seen: MJ previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787 such games, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run at 575.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” said Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the sport. He had the opportunity but due to who he is on the court and his personality as an individual, he executed the pass, dished to Hachimura and secured the game.”

Getting to ten points had long been an afterthought long before the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had attained double figures entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

However, two of those rare games below ten points through three quarters had happened recently: He had nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, and then had six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns on Monday night.

He succeeded in keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. One game later, it was over – yet he was celebrating regardless.

I only ever make the best play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James said. If you make the unselfish play, the basketball gods are always giving back to me.”