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The Lakers star knew his incredible run of reaching double digits was at risk. At the decisive instant, however, he wasn't bothered.

The smart move involved passing the rock – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, the legendary streak finished.

LeBron's staggering run of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances was snapped during a recent game, when the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only a mere eight points during the Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He provided the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer as time expired.

“Nothing,” James replied in response about the streak ending. “We won.”

A Selfless Play Delivers Victory

He might have attempted to win the game – and preserved his record – with the last shot, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Hachimura in the left corner. Rui connected, and James raised his arms triumphantly.

You have to play basketball the right way. You always make the smart play,” James remarked. That is my philosophy. It's how I was taught to play. That's what I've done my whole career.”

James is very conscious exactly how many points he has at all times,” said the team's head coach JJ Redick. He made the play as he has done throughout his career.”

The Record's End Game

James re-entered the game one last time with 5:23 remaining, the outcome and his personal record on the line. His tally was a mere six points from 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He managed a basket at under two minutes remaining to level the contest but then missed a shot at one minute to go which could have gotten him into double figures.

He avoided taking another shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves found him as time wound down, but James opted to dish it off instead.

“The basketball gods, if you do it the right way, they will repay you,” Redick stated.

The History of a Staggering Run

James's streak started on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the longest double-digit streak in NBA history: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and Karl Malone recorded with 575.

He is such an unselfish player,” said teammate Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the sport. The chance was there but given the player he is and his character as a person, he executed the unselfish play, dished to Hachimura and claimed the victory.”

Reaching double digits was usually a guarantee well before the start of fourth quarters. Over the course of the record, he had achieved ten points entering the fourth on the vast majority of occasions coming into the contest.

However, two of those unusual single-digit games after three periods had occurred recently: He had nine points entering the final quarter against Dallas on 28 November, then had six going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

LeBron was able to preserve the record against the Suns. In the following contest, it finished – yet he was celebrating regardless.

I only ever make the right play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James said. If you make the smart play, the game gods are always returning the favor.”