LeBron’s 1,297-Game Scoring Streak Ends in Lakers 123-120 Win vs. Raptors/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ LeBron James’ record-setting streak of 1,297 games scoring at least 10 points ended against the Toronto Raptors, but he delivered the game-winning assist. James opted to pass to Rui Hachimura for the buzzer-beating three-pointer, securing a 123-120 win for the Lakers. His unselfish decision ended an era but reaffirmed his commitment to winning.
LeBron James Scoring Streak Ends: Quick Looks
- LeBron’s 1,297-game 10+ point streak ends vs. Raptors
- James passes to Hachimura for the buzzer-beating winner
- Streak lasted since Jan. 6, 2007—nearly 19 years
- James finishes with 8 points on 3-of-15 shooting
- Lakers coach JJ Redick praises James for unselfish decision
- Streak is longest in NBA history by wide margin
- Jordan, Abdul-Jabbar, Malone trail far behind in such streaks
- LeBron skipped final shot despite being two points short
- Game-winning assist highlights James’ team-first mentality
- Kevin Durant now holds NBA’s longest active streak at 267 games
LeBron James Ends Scoring Streak but Lifts Lakers to Victory
Deep Look
TORONTO — LeBron James made the decision himself. Needing just two more points to extend his unmatched streak of consecutive double-digit scoring games, James chose instead to pass — and with that, his historic run ended, but the Los Angeles Lakers walked away with a dramatic 123-120 win.
The streak, which began on January 6, 2007, spanned 1,297 regular-season games, a record that stands far above any in NBA history. Yet on Thursday night in Toronto, it was James’ assist to Rui Hachimura at the buzzer that became the moment fans will remember — not the stat line.
“None,” James said when asked if he had any regrets about ending the streak. “We won.”
A Decision Rooted in Team Play
The Lakers were tied and had the final possession. With a few seconds left, Austin Reaves handed James the ball. He could have forced a shot, gotten the two points, and kept the streak alive. But instead, James found Hachimura open on the wing. The forward drilled a three-pointer at the buzzer to seal the win.
“Just playing the game the right way. That’s how I’ve always done it,” James said postgame. “That’s how I was taught. That’s who I am.”
James re-entered the game with 5:23 left in the fourth quarter, still sitting at six points. He tied the game with a bucket at 1:46 but missed another shot a minute later that would have given him 10. That was his last attempt. He finished with eight points on 3-of-15 shooting, well below his usual scoring output.
But Lakers head coach JJ Redick had nothing but admiration for James’ choice.
“LeBron knew exactly how many points he had,” Redick said. “He’s done this countless times — made the right play instead of chasing a stat. The basketball gods reward that.”
An Unmatched Run Comes to an End
The last time James was held under 10 points in a regular-season game was January 5, 2007, when he scored eight points for Cleveland in a win over Milwaukee. He followed it the next night with 19 points, starting the streak that stood unbroken for nearly 19 years.
By comparison:
- Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive 10+ point games
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recorded 787
- Karl Malone had 575
James more than doubled Malone’s total.
Counting playoff games, the streak was 865 games. While Jordan holds the all-time record including postseason games at 1,045, LeBron’s regular-season streak is far beyond any active player’s reach.
Now, Kevin Durant holds the longest active streak at 267 games. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander trails with 170 — meaning they’d need to stay healthy and elite into their 40s to even come close.
A Rare Off Night, But a Signature LeBron Moment
James acknowledged he’s still working his way back to form after missing the entire preseason and most of the early regular season due to injury. On Thursday, he missed his first six shots, many of them off-target, and couldn’t find a rhythm.
But that didn’t stop him from impacting the game in a crucial way.
“I remember every negative thing ever said about me making the right pass,” James said. “They called it weakness, said I wasn’t clutch. But I’ve always played to win, not for numbers. I’ve taught the game that way, and I’ve won everywhere by doing it that way.”
Teammates, Opponents Praise James’ Mindset
Lakers teammate Jake LaRavia praised James for staying true to his basketball values.
“He had the opportunity to force it, but he made the unselfish play,” LaRavia said. “We won because of it.”
Austin Reaves echoed that sentiment: “That’s what he’s done his whole career. Made the right play. It’s who he is.”
Even as the streak ends, James’ consistent production over two decades remains unmatched. Entering Thursday, he had scored 10+ points in the first three quarters of 1,266 of those 1,297 games. But in two of his most recent outings — against Dallas and Phoenix — he had to fight late into the game to keep the streak alive.
This time, he chose something greater than records.
Legacy Over Numbers
Whether it was a layup, a fadeaway, or a full-court pass, James has always believed in playing the right way — even when critics questioned his late-game decisions. Thursday was another chapter in that legacy.
“We’re in the business of winning,” James said. “That’s all I’ve ever done. And that’s all I care about.”
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