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

The right decision meant distributing the ball – which is exactly what he did. With that selfless act, the unprecedented record finished.

LeBron's unprecedented run of 1,297 consecutive regular-season double-digit scoring performances ended on Thursday night, as the league's career points king had only eight points during the Lakers' 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He provided the decisive pass, feeding Rui Hachimura to knock down a three-pointer as time expired.

“None,” James stated after being questioned regarding the conclusion of his run. “We won.”

An Unselfish Decision Delivers the Win

James could have tried to secure the contest – while also extending his record – with the last shot, instead, he decided to make the extra pass to Rui stationed in the corner. Hachimura sank it, prompting James celebrated triumphantly.

You have to play basketball the right way. Always make the correct play,” James noted. That has always been my philosophy. That’s how I was instructed to play. I’ve done that throughout my career.”

“LeBron is acutely aware of his point total he has at any point,” commented Lakers coach the coach. “He did it like he’s done countless times.”

The Streak's Final Moments

James re-entered the game for the final time with just over five minutes left, the outcome along with the historic run on the line. He had six points from 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

He managed a basket at 1:46 left to tie the game but then missed a 14-footer with 1:01 left which could have gotten him to double digits.

He didn’t take another shot – though the opportunity was there. Austin Reaves passed him the ball in the waning seconds, yet LeBron decided to make the extra pass instead.

“The basketball gods, if you approach it the right way, they tend to repay you,” Redick added.

A Look Back at an Unparalleled Run

The record began over eighteen years ago. It stood as the greatest such streak in NBA history: His Airness, Michael Jordan previously held a streak of 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem had 787, and The Mailman recorded with 575.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” said Lakers center Jake LaRavia.

He simply plays the game of basketball. He could have shot but given his nature as a player and his personality off the court, he executed the team play, dished to Hachimura and we won the victory.”

Scoring in double figures had typically been an afterthought long before the start of fourth quarters. Over the course of the record, he had achieved the 10-point mark entering the fourth over twelve hundred times prior to Thursday.

However, two such single-digit games after three periods had occurred in the last week: He had nine points going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, followed by six points before the fourth quarter against Phoenix on Monday night.

He succeeded in preserve the record against the Suns. The very next outing, it finished – yet he was celebrating anyway.

“I always just make the right play. That is instinctive, win, lose or draw,” James said. When you make the right play, the basketball gods forever rewarding me.”