Despite Personal Streak Ending, LeBron James Makes Unselfish Pass To Set Up Game Winner

With the game tied and seconds winding down, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James‘ streak of 1,297 consecutive games of double-digit points hanged in the balance.

The veteran forward tallied eight points against the Toronto Raptors, but had a chance to win the game – and keep his streak alive – in the final seconds as the Lakers held the final possession.

But like many times in his career, James made the right play at the right time.

Sacrificing his streak, he dished the ball wide to set up Rui Hachimura‘s 3-point buzzer beater to defeat the Raptors on Thursday night, 123-120.

James didn’t seem bothered when asked about his feelings after his run ended, which began in early 2007.

“None. We won,” he said.

“Just playing the game the right way. You always make the right play. That’s just been my M.O. That’s how I was taught the game. I’ve done that my whole career.”

The Lakers led by as many as 13 points. They held a nine-point advantage going into halftime, but the Raptors made adjustments and clawed their way back into the contest.

Austin Reaves led the Lakers with 44 points, half of those coming in the third quarter. Each team traded leads in the second half which ultimately came down to the final play of the match.

With James having space through the center, he could have gone for the game-winning jump shot from midrange. But he picked out an open Hachimura in the corner, who drilled a 3-pointer with no time remaining.

“Once they doubled AR [Reaves] and the ball got swung to me, I know it’s a numbers game,” James said. “We got a four-on-three advantage and were just trying to put the ball on time, on target, in Rui’s socket, in his shot pocket, and he knocked it down.”

The win was the Lakers’ eighth in their last nine games as they remain in the top three of the Western Conference.

James and point guard Luka Doncic missed the following game against the Boston Celtics, where the team lost 126-105 the next day.

The Lakers conclude their three-game away trip against the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday night. On Wednesday, JJ Redick‘s side faces the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup quarterfinals.