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The Lakers star knew his historic run of reaching double digits was in danger. At the decisive instant, though, it didn't concern him.

The right decision involved passing the ball – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, the legendary streak was over.

LeBron's astounding run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games with 10+ points ended this past Thursday, as basketball's greatest scorer finished with eight total points during the Los Angeles Lakers' close win against the Toronto Raptors. He provided the decisive pass, feeding Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“None,” James said when asked about the streak ending. “The important thing is we won.”

A Team-First Decision Delivers the Win

James could have tried to secure the game – and preserved his record – on the final possession, instead, he decided to dish the ball to Hachimura in the left corner. Rui connected, and James exulted with his hands in the air.

“Just playing basketball correctly. You always make the smart play,” James explained. That has always been my M.O.. That’s how I was instructed to play. I’ve done that for two decades.”

He is very conscious of how many points he has at all times,” commented the team's head coach JJ Redick. “He did it as he has done countless times.”

The Record's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the game for the final time at 5:23 remaining, the outcome and the streak up for grabs. He had six points from 3 for 15 from the field then.

He got a bucket with under two minutes remaining to knot the score but then missed a 14-footer with 1:01 left that would have gotten him to double digits.

He didn’t take one more attempt – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves gave James the ball with a few seconds left, but James opted to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, if you do it correctly, they will repay you,” the coach concluded.

A Look Back at a Monumental Record

This incredible run started on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the greatest double-digit streak in NBA history: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787 such games, and The Mailman recorded with 575.

He is such a pass-first superstar,” said teammate Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing the sport. He had the opportunity but due to his nature as a player and his character as a person, he made the team play, dished to Hachimura and secured the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had long been a guarantee early in the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had achieved double figures by the beginning of the final quarter on the vast majority of occasions before this game.

Yet two of those rare games below ten points through three quarters had happened just days before: He had nine points entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, then had six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

He succeeded in preserve the record in the Phoenix game. One game later, it concluded – and he celebrated all the same.

I only ever make the right play. That’s automatic, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. When you make the smart play, the sports deities consistently returning the favor.”