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James understood his monumental run of reaching double digits was threatened. When it mattered most, though, it was not his focus.

The smart move was to pass the rock – and he executed. Consequently, the legendary streak finished.

James's astounding streak of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances ended during a recent game, when the league's career points king had only a mere eight points during the Lakers' 123-120 win against Toronto. He made the clutch helper, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a triple as time expired.

“None,” James stated when asked about the streak ending. “The team got the victory.”

A Selfless Decision Secures Victory

LeBron had the chance to tried to secure the contest – and preserved the streak – with the last shot, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to his teammate stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, and James exulted immediately.

You have to play basketball the right way. Make the right play,” James explained. That has always been my M.O.. It's how I learned to play. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

“LeBron is very conscious of his point total he has at all times,” said Lakers coach the coach. “He did it as he has done countless times.”

The Record's End Game

LeBron checked back into the floor one last time with 5:23 remaining, the outcome and his personal record both hanging in the balance. His tally was only six points on a 3-for-15 performance by that point.

He managed a basket at 1:46 left to knot the score then missed a mid-range jumper at 1:01 left that would have taken him into double figures.

He passed up one more attempt – even though he had a chance. Austin Reaves gave James the ball in the waning seconds, yet LeBron decided to make the extra pass instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, if you do it the right way, they often bless you,” Redick added.

Reflecting on a Staggering Record

The record started on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the most extended double-digit streak in NBA history: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight double-digit scoring games, Kareem had 787 such games, and The Mailman had the fourth-longest run at 575.

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

“He’s just playing hoops. He had the opportunity but due to who he is on the court and just who he is as a person, he made the team play, dished to Hachimura and we won the victory.”

Reaching double digits had long been an afterthought early in the fourth quarter began. During James’s streak, he had reached the 10-point mark by the beginning of the final quarter 1,266 times before this game.

But two of those rare games below ten points through three quarters took place just days before: He had nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, then had six before the fourth quarter versus the Suns on Monday night.

James managed to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. In the following contest, it concluded – but he still rejoiced regardless.

I only ever make the right play. That comes naturally, win, lose or draw,” James declared. “You make the smart play, the basketball gods are always rewarding me.”