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The Lakers star knew his monumental streak of putting up 10+ points was in danger. When it mattered most, though, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play involved passing the rock – and he executed. Following that play, the legendary streak finished.

James's unprecedented 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 eight points in the Lakers' 123-120 triumph versus Toronto. He made the decisive pass, finding Rui Hachimura to knock down a triple as time expired.

“None,” James stated in response about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

A Selfless Choice Seals Victory

James could have tried to secure the contest – while also extending his record – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to make the extra pass to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, prompting James celebrated with his hands in the air.

You have to play the game the right way. Make the correct play,” James explained. That has always been how I operate. That’s how I was taught to play. I've played that way throughout my career.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of how many points he has at any point,” said Lakers coach the coach. He acted as he has done countless times.”

The Record's End Game

He returned to the game for the final time with just over five minutes left, the result and the streak up for grabs. At that stage, he had only six points from a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He managed a basket at 1:46 left to tie the game but then missed a 14-footer with 1:01 left which could have gotten him into double figures.

He didn’t take one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. A teammate gave James the ball with a few seconds left, yet LeBron chose to dish it off instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you approach it the proper way, they tend to repay you,” Redick stated.

The History of a Staggering Record

The record began on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the most extended such streak the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list with 575.

He is such a team-oriented player,” said teammate a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but given his nature as a player and his personality as a person, he chose the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and we won the victory.”

Reaching double digits had typically been a formality well before the final period. Throughout his run, he had achieved ten points by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times before this game.

But two such single-digit games through three quarters took place in the last week: He had nine points going into the fourth against Dallas on 28 November, followed by six going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

James managed to preserve the record against the Suns. One game later, it concluded – yet he was celebrating anyway.

I only ever make the correct play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. “You make the smart play, the basketball gods consistently giving back to me.”