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The Lakers star knew his historic streak of scoring in double figures was threatened. In that crucial moment, however, it was not his focus.

The smart move was to pass the rock – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, the legendary streak was over.

James's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten concluded during a recent game, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to a mere eight points during the Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus Toronto. He delivered the decisive pass, finding teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot as time expired.

“Zero,” James stated when asked on the record concluding. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Choice Seals the Game

James could have sought to clinch the contest – and preserved his record – with the last shot, but he chose to dish the ball to Rui stationed in the corner. Rui connected, prompting James exulted triumphantly.

You have to play basketball the right way. You always make the smart play,” James remarked. “That’s just been my M.O.. That’s how I was instructed the game. I've played that way throughout my career.”

James is fully cognizant of how many points he has during a game,” said Lakers coach the coach. “He did it like he’s done so many times.”

The Record's Final Moments

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

He managed a basket at 1:46 left to level the contest then missed a mid-range jumper with one minute to go that might have gotten him to ten points.

He passed up another shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves gave James the ball in the waning seconds, yet LeBron chose to dish it off instead.

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

A Look Back at a Monumental Record

This incredible run started over eighteen years ago. It stood as the greatest streak of its kind in NBA history: MJ had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem recorded 787, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run at 575.

“He’s such a pass-first superstar,” remarked teammate Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing hoops. The chance was there but given who he is on the court and his personality as a person, he executed the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and claimed the victory.”

Reaching double digits was usually an afterthought well before the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had attained ten points entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

However, two of those unusual 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, followed by six points going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

LeBron was able to extend the streak against the Suns. In the following contest, it was over – but he still rejoiced regardless.

“I always just make the right play. That is instinctive, no matter what,” James affirmed. If you make the right play, the sports deities consistently returning the favor.”