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The Lakers star knew his monumental streak of reaching double digits was threatened. In that crucial moment, though, it was not his focus.

The smart move involved passing the rock – and he executed. Consequently, the unprecedented record was over.

LeBron's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances concluded this past Thursday, as the league's career points king had only a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close victory over the Toronto Raptors. He delivered the clutch helper, setting up Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot to win the game.

“Zero,” James replied in response regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Choice Seals the Game

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the game – and preserved the streak – on the final possession, but he chose to pass to his teammate on the wing. Rui connected, with LeBron celebrated with his hands in the air.

“Just playing the game the right way. Always make the right play,” James noted. “That’s just been how I operate. That is the way I was taught the game. I’ve done that my whole career.”

James is fully cognizant of how many points he has during a game,” commented the team's head coach the coach. He acted just as he has so many times.”

The Record's Final Moments

He returned to the contest for the final time with just over five minutes left, the outcome along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. He had six points from 3-of-15 shooting at that juncture.

He got a bucket with 1:46 left to tie the game then missed a mid-range jumper at one minute to go that would have pushed him to double digits.

He passed up a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. A teammate gave James the ball with a few seconds left, however, James decided to make the extra pass instead.

The spirits of the game, when you play it correctly, they often repay you,” Redick stated.

A Look Back at a Monumental Run

This incredible run started over eighteen years ago. It stood as the most extended double-digit streak in NBA history: MJ had 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone recorded with 575.

He is such a pass-first superstar,” said Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

“He’s just playing hoops. The chance was there but given who he is on the court and his personality off the court, he made the pass, passed it to Rui and secured the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had long been a formality well before the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had attained double figures by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions prior to Thursday.

But two of those rare games below ten points after three periods had happened just days before: He recorded nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, then had six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it concluded – but he still rejoiced regardless.

My focus is to make the best play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. When you make the smart play, the sports deities consistently returning the favor.”