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The Lakers star knew his historic run of putting up 10+ points was threatened. In that crucial moment, though, he wasn't bothered.

The smart move meant distributing the ball – which is exactly what he did. Consequently, the legendary streak finished.

LeBron's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points ended this past Thursday, when the league's career points king had only eight total points in the Lakers' 123-120 victory over Toronto. He provided the decisive pass, finding teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer as time expired.

“None,” James replied after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Play Secures Victory

He might have attempted to win the game – while also extending the streak – in the closing seconds, but he chose to make the extra pass to Rui on the wing. Rui connected, with LeBron celebrated with his hands in the air.

“Just playing the game the proper way. You always make the correct play,” James explained. That has always been my M.O.. It's how I learned to play. That's what I've done for two decades.”

“LeBron is very conscious exactly how many points he has during a game,” commented the team's head coach JJ Redick. “He did it as he has done so many times.”

The Record's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the game for the final time at 5:23 remaining, the win and his personal record on the line. At that stage, he had six points from a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He got a bucket at 1:46 left to knot the score and missed a shot with one minute to go which could have taken him into double figures.

He didn’t take a subsequent shot – even though he had a chance. A teammate gave James the ball with a few seconds left, but James chose to dish it off instead of shooting.

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

The History of a Staggering Streak

The record began on Jan. 6, 2007. It stood as the greatest streak of its kind the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run at 575.

He is such a team-oriented player,” said Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the sport. He could have shot but because of the player he is and his personality as a person, he chose the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and we won the game.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been an afterthought long before the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had attained ten points by the beginning of the final quarter over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

But two such single-digit games after three periods had occurred recently: He recorded nine entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, then had six before the fourth quarter against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive against the Suns. The very next outing, it was over – but he still rejoiced regardless.

My focus is to make the correct play. That’s automatic, no matter what,” James affirmed. When you make the unselfish play, the game gods are always giving back to me.”