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The Lakers star knew his incredible streak of scoring in double figures was in danger. When it mattered most, however, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play involved passing the ball – so he did. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record was over.

LeBron's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten was snapped during a recent game, when the league's career points king was limited to eight total points during the Lakers' 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors. He provided the game-winning assist, feeding Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-point shot as time expired.

“None,” James stated when asked on the record concluding. “We won.”

A Team-First Choice Seals Victory

He might have tried to secure the contest – and preserved his record – with the last shot, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Hachimura on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, and James exulted with his hands in the air.

It's about playing basketball the proper way. Always make the smart play,” James remarked. “That’s just been how I operate. That’s how I was instructed to play. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

“LeBron is acutely aware exactly how many points he's scored at any point,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play just as he has countless times.”

The Record's Final Moments

LeBron checked back into the game one last time with under five and a half minutes to go, the win along with the historic run up for grabs. He had six points on 3-of-15 shooting then.

He got a bucket with under two minutes remaining to level the contest then missed a shot at 1:01 left that would have gotten him into double figures.

He didn’t take another shot – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves found him as time wound down, but James chose to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, when you play it correctly, they will reward you,” Redick stated.

The History of an Unparalleled Record

The record started over eighteen years ago. It stood as the longest double-digit streak in NBA history: MJ had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 such games, and Karl Malone recorded with 575.

LeBron is such a team-oriented player,” remarked Lakers center a fellow Laker.

He simply plays hoops. He could have shot but because of who he is on the court and his personality off the court, he executed the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and claimed the victory.”

Getting to ten points had long been an afterthought early in the start of fourth quarters. Over the course of the record, he had achieved ten points by the start of the fourth over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

But two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters had happened in the last week: He recorded nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, and then had six points going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

He succeeded in extend the streak against the Suns. One game later, it concluded – yet he was celebrating all the same.

“I always just make the correct play. That is instinctive, no matter what,” James declared. When you make the smart play, the basketball gods are always rewarding me.”