LeBron James restricted to 8 as double-digit points streak ends in Lakers’ win

Los Angeles Lakers veteran LeBron James was held to only eight points in 123-120 win against the Toronto Raptors on Thursday. This ended James’ run of 1,297 consecutive double-digit regular-season matches. 

However, as long as the Lakers won the contest, James didn’t care about the personal milestone. Though, James’ long-standing record ended, he had the game-winning assist, setting up Rui Hachimura’s 3-pointer as time expired.

When asked what thoughts he had about the streak ending. “None,” James said. “We won.”

James could have tried to win the game for his team, but decided to pass the ball to Hachimura.

“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.”

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

According to ESPN, James’ streak started on Jan. 6, 2007. Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run at 575.

Lakers center Jake Ravia lauded James for his selfless game.

“He’s such an unselfish player,” Lakers center Jake LaRavia said. “He’s just playing the game of basketball. He had the opportunity but because of the player he is and just who he is as a person, he made the unselfish play, passed it to Rui and we won the game.”

James said he always tries to make the right play, irrespective of the result.

“I always just make the right play. That’s automatic, win, lose or draw,” James said. “You make the right play — the game gods are always giving back to me.”

The Lakers will next take on the Boston Celtics on Friday.