Lakers Legend Chooses Team Over Record, LeBron Ends Streak With 8 Points but Delivers Game Winner
On December 4, 2025, in a dramatic clash in Toronto, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James saw one of the most iconic NBA records reach its conclusion. His extraordinary run of scoring 10 or more points in 1,297 consecutive regular-season games came to an end, even as the Lakers secured a 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. James finished with just eight points on 4-of-17 shooting, including 0-of-5 from beyond the arc.
A Selfless Ending to a Historic Streak
What makes the moment remarkable isn’t just that the streak ended, but the way it happened. With the score tied and the final seconds ticking away, James could easily have taken the last shot to try both for the win and to keep his streak alive. Instead, he made the unselfish choice - kicking the ball out to Rui Hachimura in the left corner.
Hachimura drained the buzzer-beating three-pointer, sealing the win. James’ assist delivered the victory but cost him the chance to extend his historic scoring streak - an ending fitting for a player known for putting team success above personal accolades.
James and Redick React
After the game, James made it clear that the streak wasn’t on his mind.
“None,” he said when asked what he thought about it ending. “We won.”
Head coach JJ Redick echoed the sentiment, noting that James “did it like he’s done so many times,” adding that the superstar is always aware of the game situation but consistently chooses the right play.
The streak began on January 6, 2007 - more than 18 years earlier. For context, the next-longest such streak in NBA history belongs to Michael Jordan at 866 games, placing James on a level of consistency unmatched in league history.
Throughout those 18 seasons, James showcased durability, elite performance, and the kind of reliability that set the benchmark for greatness.
Despite scoring only eight points, the night was far from a lacklustre outing for James. He contributed six rebounds and 11 assists, guiding a shorthanded Lakers team with his playmaking and leadership. The win strengthened Los Angeles’ record and reinforced James’ long-standing philosophy that winning and making the right basketball decision outweigh individual milestones.
As fans reflect on a streak that spanned multiple eras, rosters, and evolutions of the game, the ending feels poetic. James did not chase the record - he stayed true to his identity as a team-first player with exceptional basketball IQ.
Few records in sports appear as untouchable as 1,297 consecutive double-digit scoring games. For now - and likely for years to come - the achievement stands as a testament to James’ sustained excellence, resilience, and commitment to winning.
A Selfless Ending to a Historic Streak
What makes the moment remarkable isn’t just that the streak ended, but the way it happened. With the score tied and the final seconds ticking away, James could easily have taken the last shot to try both for the win and to keep his streak alive. Instead, he made the unselfish choice - kicking the ball out to Rui Hachimura in the left corner.
Hachimura drained the buzzer-beating three-pointer, sealing the win. James’ assist delivered the victory but cost him the chance to extend his historic scoring streak - an ending fitting for a player known for putting team success above personal accolades.
James and Redick React
After the game, James made it clear that the streak wasn’t on his mind.
“None,” he said when asked what he thought about it ending. “We won.”
Head coach JJ Redick echoed the sentiment, noting that James “did it like he’s done so many times,” adding that the superstar is always aware of the game situation but consistently chooses the right play.
The streak began on January 6, 2007 - more than 18 years earlier. For context, the next-longest such streak in NBA history belongs to Michael Jordan at 866 games, placing James on a level of consistency unmatched in league history.
Throughout those 18 seasons, James showcased durability, elite performance, and the kind of reliability that set the benchmark for greatness.
Despite scoring only eight points, the night was far from a lacklustre outing for James. He contributed six rebounds and 11 assists, guiding a shorthanded Lakers team with his playmaking and leadership. The win strengthened Los Angeles’ record and reinforced James’ long-standing philosophy that winning and making the right basketball decision outweigh individual milestones.
As fans reflect on a streak that spanned multiple eras, rosters, and evolutions of the game, the ending feels poetic. James did not chase the record - he stayed true to his identity as a team-first player with exceptional basketball IQ.
Few records in sports appear as untouchable as 1,297 consecutive double-digit scoring games. For now - and likely for years to come - the achievement stands as a testament to James’ sustained excellence, resilience, and commitment to winning.
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