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The Lakers star knew his historic run of scoring in double figures was in danger. At the decisive instant, though, it didn't concern him.

The right decision meant distributing the basketball – so he did. With that selfless act, the legendary streak finished.

James's staggering run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games with 10+ points ended during a recent game, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close win against Toronto. He delivered the clutch helper, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“Zero,” James said when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Decision Delivers the Win

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the game – and preserved his record – on the final possession, but he chose to pass to Hachimura in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, with LeBron raised his arms with his hands in the air.

It's about playing basketball the proper way. Always make the right play,” James remarked. That has always been my M.O.. It's how I learned to play. I’ve done that my whole career.”

James is very conscious of his point total he has at all times,” said Lakers coach the coach. He acted as he has done countless times.”

The Record's Final Moments

He returned to the contest one last time at just over five minutes left, the result along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. He had a mere six points from a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He scored with under two minutes remaining to tie the game but then missed a mid-range jumper at 1:01 left which could have gotten him to double digits.

He passed up a subsequent shot – even though he had a chance. A teammate gave James the ball as time wound down, but James chose to dish it off instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, when you play it the proper way, they often bless you,” Redick stated.

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Run

This incredible run began back in January 2007. It stood as the most extended such streak in professional basketball: MJ previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list of 575 games.

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

“He’s just playing hoops. He could have shot but given his nature as a player and just who he is off the court, he made the team play, dished to Hachimura and claimed the game.”

Reaching double digits was usually a formality early in the start of fourth quarters. During James’s streak, he had achieved double figures by the start of the fourth over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

But two such single-digit games through three quarters had happened recently: He had nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

James managed to extend the streak in the Phoenix game. One game later, it finished – but he still rejoiced regardless.

I only ever make the best play. That is instinctive, regardless of outcome,” James said. “You make the smart play, the game gods are always returning the favor.”