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The Lakers star knew his monumental run of reaching double digits was threatened. In that crucial moment, though, it didn't concern him.

The smart move was to pass the ball – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, the legendary streak came to an end.

James's staggering run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season games with 10+ points concluded during a recent game, as the league's career points king finished with eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close triumph versus the Toronto Raptors. He provided the game-winning assist, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura for a three-point shot to win the game.

“Nothing,” James replied after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Play Secures Victory

James could have attempted to win the game – and preserved the streak – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to dish the ball to Hachimura stationed in the corner. Hachimura made the shot, prompting James celebrated immediately.

It's about playing basketball the right way. Always make the smart play,” James remarked. “That’s just been my philosophy. That’s how I was taught the game. I've played that way my whole career.”

James is acutely aware of his point total he's scored during a game,” stated the team's head coach JJ Redick. “He did it like he’s done throughout his career.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

James re-entered the contest for the final time with just over five minutes left, the result and the streak both hanging in the balance. His tally was a mere six points from a 3-for-15 performance at that juncture.

He scored with 1:46 left to knot the score but then missed a 14-footer with one minute to go that might have taken him to double digits.

He passed up a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves gave James the ball as time wound down, but James opted to make the pass instead.

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

Reflecting on a Staggering Run

This incredible run commenced over eighteen years ago. It stood as the greatest double-digit streak the league has ever seen: MJ had 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787, and Karl Malone was fourth on the list with 575.

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

He simply plays the sport. He had the opportunity but because of who he is on the court and his character off the court, he executed the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and secured the game.”

Getting to ten points was usually a guarantee early in the final period. During James’s streak, he had achieved ten points by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times before this game.

But two of those unusual single-digit games after three periods took place in the last week: He recorded nine entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, followed by six going into the fourth versus the Suns earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive against the Suns. One game later, it concluded – yet he was celebrating regardless.

My focus is to make the right play. That comes naturally, no matter what,” James declared. When you make the unselfish play, the basketball gods consistently returning the favor.”