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The Lakers star knew his monumental streak of putting up 10+ points was at risk. When it mattered most, though, it didn't concern him.

The right decision involved passing the basketball – so he did. With that selfless act, the legendary streak came to an end.

LeBron's staggering streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games with 10+ points concluded during a recent game, as the league's career points king was limited to a mere eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' close victory over the Toronto Raptors. He made the clutch helper, feeding teammate Rui Hachimura to knock down a triple as time expired.

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

An Unselfish Play Secures Victory

James could have tried to secure the contest – and extended his record – in the closing seconds, yet he opted to dish the ball to his teammate on the wing. Hachimura made the shot, prompting James exulted triumphantly.

“Just playing basketball the right way. Always make the smart play,” James noted. That has always been my M.O.. That’s how I learned to play. That's what I've done my whole career.”

“LeBron is very conscious of how many points he has at all times,” said the team's head coach the coach. He acted like he’s done so many times.”

The Streak's End Game

LeBron checked back into the floor one last time at 5:23 remaining, the win and the streak both hanging in the balance. He had a mere six points on 3 for 15 from the field at that juncture.

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

He didn’t take another shot – though the opportunity was there. A teammate gave James the ball with a few seconds left, however, James decided to make the pass instead of shooting.

The spirits of the game, when you play it correctly, they often repay you,” Redick stated.

The History of a Monumental Run

James's streak commenced on Jan. 6, 2007. It was easily the most extended such streak in NBA history: MJ had 866 straight games with 10+ points, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787 such games, and Karl Malone recorded at 575.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” said teammate a fellow Laker.

“He’s just playing hoops. The chance was there but because of who he is on the court and his character off the court, he chose the pass, passed it to Rui and secured the victory.”

Getting to ten points had long been a guarantee long before the final period. Over the course of the record, he had achieved double figures by the beginning of the final quarter over twelve hundred times coming into the contest.

Yet two of those rare games below ten points after three periods took place just days before: He recorded nine going into the fourth versus the Mavericks last week, followed by six points going into the fourth against Phoenix on Monday night.

James managed to preserve the record against the Suns. In the following contest, it finished – and he celebrated anyway.

I only ever make the best play. That comes naturally, regardless of outcome,” James affirmed. When you make the smart play, the basketball gods are always rewarding me.”