After streak of 1,297 NBA games spanning 18 seasons, LeBron James scores in single digits, but gives game-winning assist

When journalists asked LeBron for his thoughts on the streak ending, he replied: “None. We won.”

Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James, left, is guarded by Toronto Raptors' Scottie Barnes (4) during second-half NBA basketball game action in Toronto, Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. (The Canadian Press via AP)

When LeBron James scored eight points in the Los Angeles Lakers’ NBA clash with the Toronto Raptors, a long streak ended for the basketball legend. For the first time after 1,297 successive regular season games (not including playoffs), LeBron had scored less than double digit figures. But LeBron left the arena happy after assisting Rui Hachimura for a three-pointer which turned out to be the game-winning shot in the Lakers’ 123-120 win rather than shoot himself to try and get to the double-figure mark.

The streak started on January 6, 2007. It was the longest such streak in NBA history by a country mile: Michael Jordan had 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had 787 and Karl Malone had the fourth-longest run at 575. According to data pulled out by AP Sports, during his streak, there were 1,266 times when the NBA future hall of famer had reached the 10-point mark by the start of the fourth quarter.

When journalists asked LeBron for his thoughts on the streak ending, he replied: “None. We won.”

Later, while explaining his process, LeBron 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.”

Lakers coach JJ Redick was full of praise for his ageing star.

“LeBron is acutely aware of how many points he has at that point. He did it like he’s done so many times,” he said. “The basketball gods, if you do it the right way, they tend to reward you.”

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

Story continues below this ad

The Lakers star missed the entire preseason and has so far played in just six games of the regular season due to an injury. On Thursday, he missed his first six shots.

LeBron has also been criticised in his career in the past for passing the ball in big moments.

“I remember everything that’s been negatively said about me and my game throughout my career,” LeBron said. “And that aspect has been one of the most foolish things I’ve ever heard as far as making the right pass, making the right play. We are in the business of winning basketball games and my whole life I’ve just played the game that way. I’ve taught the game that way. I’ve won at every single level I’ve played at by playing the game that way.”

(With inputs from AP)