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The Lakers star knew his monumental streak of putting up 10+ points was at risk. When it mattered most, however, it was not his focus.

The right decision involved passing the ball – and he executed. With that selfless act, the legendary streak was over.

James's staggering run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances was snapped during a recent game, when basketball's greatest scorer had only eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close victory over the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“None,” James replied when asked on the record concluding. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Play Seals the Game

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the game – and preserved the streak – with the last shot, but he chose to dish the ball to his teammate in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, with LeBron raised his arms with his hands in the air.

It's about playing the game the proper way. Always make the correct play,” James explained. “That’s just been my philosophy. That is the way I was instructed the game. I’ve done that for two decades.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of his point total he's scored at any point,” said Lakers coach the coach. He acted like he’s done countless times.”

The Streak's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the floor for the final time at 5:23 remaining, the win along with the historic run on the line. At that stage, he had six points on 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He got a bucket at 1:46 left to tie the game but then missed a 14-footer at one minute to go which could have taken him into double figures.

He avoided taking another shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves found him in the waning seconds, however, James opted to make the pass instead.

The basketball deities, when you play it the right way, they often repay you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Run

This incredible run commenced back in January 2007. It was easily the longest double-digit streak the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run at 575.

LeBron is such a pass-first superstar,” said Lakers center a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing hoops. He had the opportunity but given who he is on the court and his character as an individual, he executed the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and claimed the game.”

Getting to ten points had typically been a guarantee early in the start of fourth quarters. Over the course of the record, he had attained ten points entering the fourth 1,266 times before this game.

But two of those rare single-digit games through three quarters had happened recently: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, then had six going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

He succeeded in extend the streak against the Suns. The very next outing, it concluded – but he still rejoiced regardless.

I only ever make the best play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. “You make the smart play, the game gods are always rewarding me.”