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The Lakers star knew his historic streak of reaching double digits was threatened. In that crucial moment, however, it didn't concern him.

The correct basketball play involved passing the ball – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, his remarkable run was over.

LeBron's unprecedented streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season outings scoring at least ten was snapped this past Thursday, as the league's career points king was limited to eight points during the Lakers' close win against Toronto. He made the decisive pass, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-point shot at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James said after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “The important thing is we won.”

A Selfless Choice Secures the Win

James could have attempted to win the contest – while also extending his record – in the closing seconds, instead, he decided to dish the ball to his teammate in the left corner. Rui connected, and James exulted triumphantly.

It's about playing basketball correctly. You always make the right play,” James remarked. “That’s just been how I operate. That is the way I was taught to play. I've played that way for two decades.”

“LeBron is very conscious of his point total he has at any point,” said the team's head coach the coach. He made the play as he has done throughout his career.”

The Record's Closing Chapter

He returned to the floor one last time at under five and a half minutes to go, the result along with the historic run on the line. His tally was six points from 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He managed a basket at 1:46 left to level the contest and missed a 14-footer with 1:01 left that would have taken him into double figures.

He didn’t take another shot – though the opportunity was there. A teammate gave James the ball in the waning seconds, but James chose to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, when you play it the proper way, they will bless you,” the coach concluded.

Reflecting on a Monumental Record

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

He is such a team-oriented player,” remarked Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

“He’s just playing the sport. He had the opportunity but given his nature as a player and just who he is as a person, he made the pass, found Rui and claimed the game.”

Scoring in double figures was usually a guarantee well before the final period. During James’s streak, he had achieved double figures entering the fourth 1,266 times before this game.

Yet two of those rare games below ten points through three quarters took place recently: He had nine entering the final quarter against Dallas last week, then had six points before the fourth quarter versus the Suns earlier in the week.

James managed to preserve the record against the Suns. One game later, it finished – and he celebrated regardless.

“I always just make the best play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James affirmed. When you make the unselfish play, the basketball gods forever returning the favor.”