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The Lakers star knew his monumental run of scoring in double figures was in danger. When it mattered most, however, it was not his focus.

The right decision involved passing the basketball – and he executed. Consequently, the unprecedented record was over.

LeBron's astounding streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances ended during a recent game, when the league's career points king had only eight points during the Lakers' close victory over the Toronto Raptors. He provided the decisive pass, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“Zero,” James replied in response on the record concluding. “We won.”

An Unselfish Decision Secures the Win

LeBron had the chance to sought to clinch the game – and extended his record – with the last shot, but he chose to dish the ball to Rui stationed in the corner. Rui connected, prompting James exulted with his hands in the air.

It's about playing the game the proper way. Make the right play,” James remarked. “That’s just been my M.O.. It's how I was instructed the game. That's what I've done throughout my career.”

“LeBron is fully cognizant of how many points he's scored at all times,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. “He did it just as he has throughout his career.”

The Streak's Final Moments

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

He scored with 1:46 left to knot the score and missed a 14-footer with one minute to go which could have gotten him into double figures.

He passed up a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. A teammate gave James the ball with a few seconds left, however, James decided to make the pass instead of shooting.

The basketball deities, if you approach it the proper way, they will reward you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on a Staggering Streak

James's streak started back in January 2007. It stood as the most extended double-digit streak the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and Karl Malone recorded of 575 games.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” noted Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the sport. He could have shot but because of his nature as a player and his personality off the court, he made the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and secured the game.”

Reaching double digits had typically been a guarantee long before the fourth quarter began. Throughout his run, he had attained ten points entering the fourth over twelve hundred times coming into the contest.

Yet two such single-digit games through three quarters had occurred recently: He had 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.

He succeeded in keep the streak alive against the Suns. One game later, it was over – but he still rejoiced all the same.

“I always just make the right play. That’s automatic, no matter what,” James affirmed. When you make the right play, the basketball gods forever returning the favor.”