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The Lakers star knew his incredible run of putting up 10+ points was at risk. In that crucial moment, however, it didn't concern him.

The smart move meant distributing the basketball – so he did. Following that play, the legendary streak finished.

James's staggering streak of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances ended on Thursday night, as the league's career points king had only eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He made the game-winning assist, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer at the buzzer.

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

An Unselfish Play Seals the Win

James could have attempted to win the contest – and preserved the streak – on the final possession, instead, he decided to pass to Hachimura in the left corner. Hachimura made the shot, prompting James celebrated immediately.

It's about playing the game the proper way. You always make the correct play,” James remarked. That is my philosophy. It's how I learned to play. I've played that way for two decades.”

He is fully cognizant exactly how many points he's scored at any point,” said the team's head coach JJ Redick. He made the play like he’s done so many times.”

The Run's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the floor for the final time at just over five minutes left, the result and his personal record up for grabs. At that stage, he had a mere six points on 3-of-15 shooting then.

He managed a basket with under two minutes remaining to knot the score then missed a shot at one minute to go which could have taken him into double figures.

He avoided taking one more attempt – but could have. Austin Reaves passed him the ball as time wound down, but James chose to make the extra pass instead.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it the proper way, they will reward you,” Redick stated.

The History of a Monumental Run

The record started back in January 2007. It stood as the greatest streak of its kind in professional basketball: Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787 such games, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run at 575.

“He’s such a pass-first superstar,” remarked Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He simply plays the game of basketball. The chance was there but due to the player he is and just who he is as an individual, he chose the unselfish play, found Rui and we won the game.”

Scoring in double figures had long been a guarantee early in the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had attained double figures by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

Yet two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters took place recently: He recorded nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six going into the fourth 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 all the same.

My focus is to make the right play. That’s automatic, regardless of outcome,” James declared. If you make the smart play, the game gods consistently returning the favor.”