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LeBron James was aware his historic streak of scoring in double figures was at risk. In that crucial moment, however, it was not his focus.

The smart move involved passing the ball – which is exactly what he did. Following that play, his remarkable run was over.

James's staggering streak of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances was snapped during a recent game, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader was limited to a mere eight points during the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He provided the clutch helper, setting up Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer as time expired.

“Zero,” James stated in response on the record concluding. “The important thing is we won.”

A Selfless Choice Delivers the Win

James could have sought to clinch the contest – and extended the streak – on the final possession, yet he opted to dish the ball to his teammate in the left corner. Hachimura sank it, with LeBron celebrated immediately.

“Just playing basketball the proper way. Always make the smart play,” James explained. That is my M.O.. That is the way I learned to play. I've played that way my whole career.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of his point total he has at any point,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play just as he has so many times.”

The Record's End Game

James re-entered the floor one last time at under five and a half minutes to go, the result along with the historic run both hanging in the balance. He had only six points on a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He scored with 1:46 left to knot the score then missed a mid-range jumper with one minute to go that would have taken him to ten points.

He didn’t take a subsequent shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves passed him the ball with a few seconds left, however, James opted to make the extra pass instead.

The spirits of the game, if you approach it correctly, they tend to reward you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on a Staggering Streak

James's streak commenced back in January 2007. It was, by far the most extended double-digit streak in NBA history: MJ previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run with 575.

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

He focuses on playing hoops. The chance was there but because of his nature as a player and just who he is off the court, he made the pass, passed it to Rui and claimed the victory.”

Reaching double digits was usually a guarantee well before the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had achieved ten points entering the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

However, two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters took place just days before: He had nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, and then had six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns on Monday night.

James managed to preserve the record against the Suns. In the following contest, it concluded – and he celebrated anyway.

My focus is to make the best play. That’s automatic, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. “You make the unselfish play, the sports deities are always giving back to me.”