🔗 Share this article

The Lakers star knew his monumental run of reaching double digits was in danger. In that crucial moment, however, it didn't concern him.

The smart move meant distributing the ball – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, his remarkable run finished.

James's staggering run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten ended on Thursday night, when the league's career points king had only eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus Toronto. He provided the clutch helper, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer as time expired.

“Nothing,” James stated after being questioned about the streak ending. “We won.”

A Selfless Play Delivers Victory

LeBron had the chance to attempted to win the game – and preserved the streak – with the last shot, yet he opted to pass to Hachimura stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, and James exulted triumphantly.

It's about playing the game the right way. You always make the smart play,” James explained. That has always been my philosophy. That’s how I learned to play. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

James is acutely aware of how many points he's scored at all times,” said Lakers coach the coach. “He did it as he has done so many times.”

The Streak's End Game

James re-entered the game one last time with 5:23 remaining, the outcome and his personal record both hanging in the balance. His tally was a mere six points on a 3-for-15 performance then.

He got a bucket with 1:46 left to tie the game and missed a 14-footer at 1:01 left which could have taken him to ten points.

He passed up a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves gave James the ball as time wound down, however, James decided to dish it off instead.

“The basketball gods, if you do it the right way, they will bless you,” Redick added.

The History of an Unparalleled Run

This incredible run began over eighteen years ago. It was easily the longest streak of its kind in professional basketball: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run with 575.

He is such a team-oriented player,” said Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He simply plays the game of basketball. The chance was there but given the player he is and his personality off the court, he made the pass, dished to Hachimura and we won the game.”

Getting to ten points was usually a formality well before the final period. During James’s streak, he had reached double figures by the start of the fourth on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

Yet two such games below ten points after three periods had occurred in the last week: He recorded nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, and then had six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

He succeeded in keep the streak alive against the Suns. One game later, it concluded – yet he was celebrating all the same.

“I always just make the best play. That comes naturally, no matter what,” James declared. When you make the smart play, the basketball gods forever returning the favor.”