LeBron held to 8 as double-digit points streak ends in Lakers' win - ESPN

TORONTO — LeBron James knew his record streak of double-digit scoring efforts was in jeopardy. And in the moment, he didn't care.

The right play was to pass the ball — so he did. And with that, his streak ended.

James' run of 1,297 consecutive double-digit regular-season scoring efforts ended Thursday night, when the NBA's career points leader was held to eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 123-120 win over the Toronto Raptors. He had the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura's 3-pointer as time expired.

Afterward, he was asked what thoughts he had about the streak ending.

«None,» James said. «We won.»

James could have tried to win the game — and extend the streak — on the final possession, but he instead passed to Hachimura in the left corner. Hachimura connected, and James threw his hands in the air in celebration.

«Just playing the game the right way. You always make the right play,» James said. «That's just been my M.O. That's how I was taught the game. I've done that my whole career.»

«LeBron is acutely aware of how many points he has at that point,» Lakers coach JJ Redick said. «He did it like he's done so many times.»

James checked back into the game for the final time Thursday with 5:23 left, the outcome and the streak hanging in the balance. He had six points on 3-of-15 shooting at that point. He scored with 1:46 left to tie the score and missed a 14-footer with 1:01 left that would have gotten him to double digits.

He didn't take another shot — but could have. Austin Reaves gave James the ball with a few seconds left, but James opted to make the pass instead.

«The basketball gods, if you do it the right way, they tend to reward you,» Redick said.

James' streak started on Jan. 6, 2007. It was, by