LeBron James' 10-point streak ends in the most LeBron James way possible
It survived ankle sprains, illnesses, blowouts, and the relentless march of Father Time for nearly 19 years. But on Thursday night in Toronto, the most consistent individual record in modern sports history finally met its end. LeBron James’ streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games with at least 10 points is officially over.
Yet, the streak didn’t end because the 40-year-old legend couldn’t score. It ended because, in the game’s dying moments, he simply chose not to.
With the Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Raptors deadlocked at 120-120 in the final seconds, James—sitting on eight points—had the ball in his hands. He drove the lane with a chance to force a shot, hit double digits, and potentially win the game himself. History was a floater away. Instead, seeing the defense collapse, James made the read he has made since he was a rookie. He whipped a pass to the corner, finding a wide-open Rui Hachimura, who buried the buzzer-beating 3-pointer to secure a 123-120 victory.
The streak died so the Lakers could win.
"None," James said bluntly when asked if he had any emotions regarding the end of the 18-year run. "We won."
It was the quintessential ending for a player who has spent 23 seasons battling criticism for being "too unselfish" while simultaneously becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. Lakers head coach JJ Redick emphasized that James was likely "acutely aware" of his point total but trusted the "right play" over personal accolades.
The night was already an anomaly for Los Angeles. With teammate Luka Dončić sidelined for personal reasons, Austin Reaves carried the offense with a spectacular 44-point explosion. James struggled from the field, shooting just 4-of-17, but his 11 assists proved to be the difference-maker.
The record, which began on January 6, 2007, stands at a staggering 1,297 games—over 400 more than Michael Jordan’s second-place mark. It is a figure that may never be touched. But its conclusion serves as the perfect microcosm of James' career: given the choice between the stat sheet and the win column, the King chose the win.
Yet, the streak didn’t end because the 40-year-old legend couldn’t score. It ended because, in the game’s dying moments, he simply chose not to.
With the Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Raptors deadlocked at 120-120 in the final seconds, James—sitting on eight points—had the ball in his hands. He drove the lane with a chance to force a shot, hit double digits, and potentially win the game himself. History was a floater away. Instead, seeing the defense collapse, James made the read he has made since he was a rookie. He whipped a pass to the corner, finding a wide-open Rui Hachimura, who buried the buzzer-beating 3-pointer to secure a 123-120 victory.
The streak died so the Lakers could win.
"None," James said bluntly when asked if he had any emotions regarding the end of the 18-year run. "We won."
It was the quintessential ending for a player who has spent 23 seasons battling criticism for being "too unselfish" while simultaneously becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. Lakers head coach JJ Redick emphasized that James was likely "acutely aware" of his point total but trusted the "right play" over personal accolades.
The night was already an anomaly for Los Angeles. With teammate Luka Dončić sidelined for personal reasons, Austin Reaves carried the offense with a spectacular 44-point explosion. James struggled from the field, shooting just 4-of-17, but his 11 assists proved to be the difference-maker.
The record, which began on January 6, 2007, stands at a staggering 1,297 games—over 400 more than Michael Jordan’s second-place mark. It is a figure that may never be touched. But its conclusion serves as the perfect microcosm of James' career: given the choice between the stat sheet and the win column, the King chose the win.
