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The Lakers star knew his incredible streak of putting up 10+ points was at risk. In that crucial moment, though, he wasn't bothered.

The right decision involved passing the rock – so he did. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record finished.

LeBron's unprecedented run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances ended this past Thursday, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader finished with a mere eight points in the Lakers' 123-120 victory over Toronto. He provided the decisive pass, finding teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James stated in response on the record concluding. “We won.”

A Selfless Play Delivers the Win

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the game – and extended his record – with the last shot, yet he opted to pass to Rui in the left corner. Hachimura sank it, and James celebrated with his hands in the air.

It's about playing basketball correctly. Make the correct play,” James remarked. That is my philosophy. It's how I was taught to play. I’ve done that for two decades.”

James is fully cognizant of how many points he has at all times,” stated the team's head coach the coach. “He did it as he has done so many times.”

The Run's Final Moments

He returned to the game for the final time at under five and a half minutes to go, the win and the streak on the line. His tally was only six points on 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He got a bucket with 1:46 left to level the contest but then missed a 14-footer with 1:01 left that would have pushed him to ten points.

He passed up one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves found him with a few seconds left, yet LeBron decided to dish it off instead.

The basketball deities, if you do it the proper way, they tend to reward you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on an Unparalleled Run

This incredible run began on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the greatest double-digit streak in professional basketball: MJ had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem recorded 787, and Karl Malone recorded of 575 games.

LeBron is such a team-oriented player,” noted teammate a fellow Laker.

He simply plays the game of basketball. The chance was there but because of the player he is and his personality as an individual, he made the team play, dished to Hachimura and we won the victory.”

Getting to ten points had typically been an afterthought long before the final period. Over the course of the record, he had reached ten points by the start of the fourth 1,266 times coming into the contest.

However, two of those unusual single-digit games after three periods took place in the last week: He recorded nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks on 28 November, then had six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

James managed to keep the streak alive against the Suns. One game later, it finished – but he still rejoiced regardless.

“I always just make the right play. That’s automatic, regardless of outcome,” James said. If you make the unselfish play, the basketball gods forever returning the favor.”