Here’s a bold statement: LeBron James just ended one of the most impressive streaks in NBA history—but not in the way you’d expect. And this is the part most people miss: it wasn’t about breaking records; it was about winning the game. Let me explain.
On Thursday night, LeBron’s 1,297-game streak of scoring in double digits came to an end. But here’s the twist: he didn’t care. With the game on the line, LeBron—the NBA’s all-time leading scorer—chose to pass the ball instead of taking the shot himself. The result? A game-winning three-pointer by Rui Hachimura as time expired, securing a 123-120 victory for the Los Angeles Lakers over the Toronto Raptors. When asked about the streak ending, LeBron’s response was simple: “None. We won.”
But here’s where it gets controversial: Was LeBron’s decision to pass the ball a selfless act of teamwork, or did he prioritize the win over personal glory? Some might argue that ending such a historic streak for a single game feels like a missed opportunity. Others will say it’s a testament to his basketball IQ and commitment to the team. What do you think?
LeBron’s streak began on January 6, 2007, and it’s a record that dwarfs those of NBA legends like Michael Jordan (866 games), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (787 games), and Karl Malone (575 games). For context, during this streak, LeBron reached double-digit scoring by the start of the fourth quarter a staggering 1,266 times. But in recent games, the streak had been tested. Against Dallas on November 28, he entered the fourth quarter with just nine points, and again on Monday against Phoenix, he had only six. He managed to extend the streak against the Suns, but on Thursday, it finally came to an end—and he celebrated anyway.
“I always just make the right play,” LeBron said. “That’s automatic, win, lose or draw. The basketball gods reward you when you do it the right way.” Lakers coach JJ Redick echoed this sentiment, noting, “LeBron is acutely aware of how many points he has at any given moment. He did what he’s done so many times—he made the right play.”
Teammates like Jake LaRavia praised LeBron’s unselfishness: “He’s just playing the game of basketball. He had the opportunity to keep the streak alive, but he passed it to Rui, and we won the game.”
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: In a league where individual achievements are often celebrated, should we applaud LeBron for prioritizing the team’s success over personal milestones? Or does ending such a historic streak feel like a missed opportunity? Let’s discuss in the comments—I want to hear your take!
