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The Lakers star knew his incredible streak of putting up 10+ points was in danger. When it mattered most, though, he wasn't bothered.

The correct basketball play involved passing the basketball – so he did. Following that play, the unprecedented record came to an end.

LeBron's unprecedented run of over 1,200 straight NBA regular season double-digit scoring performances was snapped on Thursday night, when basketball's greatest scorer was limited to eight points in the Lakers' close win against Toronto. He delivered the decisive pass, setting up Rui Hachimura to hit a triple as time expired.

“None,” James said when asked on the record concluding. “We won.”

An Unselfish Choice Seals the Game

He might have tried to secure the game – and preserved the streak – with the last shot, but he chose to dish the ball to his teammate on the wing. Rui connected, prompting James exulted immediately.

It's about playing basketball the proper way. You always make the correct play,” James explained. That has always been my M.O.. That’s how I was instructed to play. That's what I've done my whole career.”

He is very conscious of how many points he's scored at any point,” said the team's head coach JJ Redick. He acted as he has done countless times.”

The Streak's Closing Chapter

James re-entered the contest for the final time with 5:23 remaining, the result and his personal record up for grabs. At that stage, he had a mere six points from 3 for 15 from the field by that point.

He got a bucket at 1:46 left to tie the game then missed a 14-footer at 1:01 left that might have taken him to double digits.

He avoided taking another shot – 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 correctly, they tend to bless you,” Redick added.

The History of a Staggering Record

James's streak began back in January 2007. It stood as the most extended double-digit streak in professional basketball: Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787, and The Mailman recorded at 575.

LeBron is such an unselfish player,” remarked teammate Jake LaRavia.

“He’s just playing hoops. He could have shot but due to the player he is and his character off the court, he chose the team play, passed it to Rui and secured the game.”

Getting to ten points had long been a guarantee long before the fourth quarter began. Over the course of the record, he had achieved the 10-point mark by the start of the fourth 1,266 times prior to Thursday.

However, two of those unusual single-digit games after three periods had occurred just days before: He recorded nine entering the final quarter versus the Mavericks last week, followed by six going into the fourth versus the Suns on Monday night.

LeBron was able to preserve the record in the Phoenix game. The very next outing, it concluded – but he still rejoiced regardless.

My focus is to make the best play. That comes naturally, no matter what,” James affirmed. When you make the unselfish play, the basketball gods forever returning the favor.”