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The Lakers star knew his historic streak of putting up 10+ points was at risk. When it mattered most, however, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play meant distributing the rock – and he executed. Following that play, the unprecedented record finished.

James's unprecedented streak of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season games with 10+ points concluded on Thursday night, as basketball's greatest scorer finished with a mere eight points in the Lakers' 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He provided the clutch helper, setting up teammate Rui Hachimura to hit a three-pointer at the buzzer.

“None,” James stated when asked regarding the conclusion of his run. “The team got the victory.”

An Unselfish Play Delivers the Game

James could have tried to secure the contest – while also extending his record – with the last shot, yet he opted to make the extra pass to his teammate on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, with LeBron raised his arms with his hands in the air.

“Just playing the game correctly. Always make the smart play,” James explained. That has always been how I operate. That’s how I was taught the game. That's what I've done for two decades.”

James is very conscious of how many points he's scored at all times,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. He made the play like he’s done countless times.”

The Record's Closing Chapter

LeBron checked back into the floor for the final time with under five and a half minutes to go, the result and the streak both hanging in the balance. He had only six points on 3-of-15 shooting by that point.

He scored with 1:46 left to knot the score but then missed a shot with 1:01 left which could have taken him to double digits.

He passed up a subsequent shot – though the opportunity was there. A teammate gave James the ball with a few seconds left, however, James decided to dish it off instead of shooting.

“The basketball gods, when you play it correctly, they often repay you,” Redick added.

The History of a Staggering Run

This incredible run began on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the most extended double-digit streak the league has ever seen: Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787, and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run of 575 games.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” said Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the sport. He could have shot but due to who he is on the court and his personality as a person, he made the pass, dished to Hachimura and we won the game.”

Getting to ten points was usually a formality well before the final period. During James’s streak, he had attained the 10-point mark entering the fourth over twelve hundred times before this game.

However, two such games below ten points through three quarters had happened recently: He recorded nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks on 28 November, followed by six points going into the fourth against Phoenix earlier in the week.

LeBron was able to keep the streak alive in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it finished – but he still rejoiced regardless.

“I always just make the best play. That’s automatic, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. If you make the right play, the game gods are always rewarding me.”