LeBron James Reveals Feelings After Historic NBA Scoring Streak Ends in Lakers' Win
LeBron James isn't sweating the end of his historic streak of 1,297 consecutive games with at least 10 points after the Los Angeles Lakers were able to escape Thursday's game against the Toronto Raptors with a 113-110 win.
Speaking to The Athletic's Dan Woike after the game, James said the streak ended in "the best way" because he was able to help the Lakers get a victory.
"This is the best way. If it had to end, the perfect ending for the streak is tonight," James said. "It's literally who I am. That's who I am. … It's always been about: 'How can I win the game? How can I make the right play and win the game?' That streak just happened."
James had an opportunity to get a bucket in the final seconds as he was driving to the hoop, but instead kicked the ball out to Rui Hachimura in the corner. Hachimura drilled a three as time expired for the win.
During his postgame press conference, James was asked if he had thoughts about the end of the streak:
"None, "he replied. "We won."
There were reasons entering Thursday to expect James' streak was going to end sooner than later. He scored 13 points or fewer in three of his first five games since returning from injury, including 10 against the Phoenix Suns on Monday when he had to score five points in the fourth quarter when the Lakers were down by 23 when he was pulled with just under six minutes remaining.
The last time James didn't score at least 10 points in a game was Jan. 5, 2007. He had eight points on 3-of-13 shooting for the Cleveland Cavaliers in a 95-86 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Thursday night saw James score eight points on 4-of-17 shooting in 36 minutes. His 1,297 consecutive games with at least 10 points is 431 more than anyone else in NBA history. Michael Jordan (866) is the only other player with a streak of at least 600 games.
On a night when James struggled to score and Luka Dončić sat out for personal reasons, the Lakers were still able to get the win. They improved to 16-5 this season and will continue their Eastern Conference road trip on Friday against the Boston Celtics.
