The King's Record-Setting Scoring Run Concludes, But Lakers Claim Win Against Toronto.

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

The correct basketball play meant distributing the rock – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record came to an end.

James's unprecedented run of 1,297 consecutive NBA regular season outings scoring at least ten concluded on Thursday night, as the NBA's all-time scoring leader had only a mere eight points during the Lakers' 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He made the clutch helper, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura for a triple at the buzzer.

“Nothing,” James stated after being questioned about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Choice Delivers the Win

James could have tried to secure the game – and extended his record – on the final possession, instead, he decided to pass to Rui on the wing. Hachimura sank it, with LeBron raised his arms with his hands in the air.

“Just playing basketball the right way. Make the right play,” James noted. That is my M.O.. That is the way I was instructed the game. I've played that way throughout my career.”

He is fully cognizant of how many points he's scored at any point,” stated Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play as he has done so many times.”

The Record's End Game

James re-entered the contest for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the outcome along with the historic run on the line. He had six points on 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He got a bucket at 1:46 left to level the contest then missed a mid-range jumper at 1:01 left which could have taken him into double figures.

He avoided taking another shot – though the opportunity was there. A teammate found him in the waning seconds, however, James opted to make the extra pass instead.

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

The History of a Monumental Run

This incredible run started back in January 2007. It was, by far the most extended such streak the league has ever seen: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 consecutive games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787 such games, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run with 575.

He is such a pass-first superstar,” remarked Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He focuses on playing hoops. The chance was there but due to who he is on the court and his personality as a person, he chose the pass, passed it to Rui and secured the game.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been a guarantee well before the start of fourth quarters. Throughout his run, he had attained ten points entering the fourth 1,266 times coming into the contest.

Yet two of those unusual single-digit games through three quarters had happened in the last week: He recorded nine points going into the fourth against Dallas last week, and then had six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns on Monday night.

He succeeded in extend the streak against the Suns. One game later, it finished – yet he was celebrating regardless.

“I always just make the right play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James declared. If you make the right play, the basketball gods consistently giving back to me.”