One of the most legendary and enduring records in professional sport has finally reached its conclusion. LeBron James, the iconic figure of the Los Angeles Lakers, has seen his monumental streak of scoring in double figures come to an end after an astonishing 1,297 consecutive NBA games.
The End of an Era in Toronto
The historic run concluded during a dramatic contest against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on Friday morning, Western Australian time. In a game that went down to the wire, the 40-year-old basketball legend managed to score only eight points. This brought a close to a streak that began all the way back on January 5, 2007, when James was a 22-year-old star for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Despite his quiet scoring night, James still found a way to be decisive. With the scores tied in the game's final moments, he had the ball in his hands but chose not to force a shot. Instead, he delivered a clutch pass to a wide-open Rui Hachimura, who sank a three-pointer to seal a 123-120 victory for the Lakers. That assist was one of James' game-high 11 assists, proving his impact extended far beyond just putting the ball in the basket.
A Run For the Ages: From 2007 to 2025
The longevity of LeBron James' scoring consistency is almost incomprehensible. The last time he failed to reach double digits was over 18 years ago, in that January 2007 game where he also scored eight points for the Cavaliers in a win over Milwaukee. Since that night, through multiple championships, team changes, and into his unprecedented 23rd NBA season, he had scored exactly 10 points on just seven occasions.
The streak had survived injuries, illnesses, and the natural decline that comes with age. James had even missed the start of the current season due to nerve irritation but had returned for the Lakers' last six games. In a sign the end was near, he narrowly avoided snapping the streak just days earlier against the Dallas Mavericks, where he finished with 13 points after a slow start.
Legacy Beyond the Streak
While the remarkable scoring run is now part of history, LeBron James' legacy as one of the game's all-time greats was never defined by it alone. His performance against the Raptors showcased his evolution into a premier facilitator, prioritising team success over personal milestones. This season, he is averaging 15.2 points, 7.2 assists, and 4 rebounds per game, continuing to contribute at a high level.
The end of the 10+ points streak marks the closing of a unique chapter in NBA history, one that spanned nearly two decades and showcased an unparalleled level of durability and excellence. For fans in Australia and around the world who have watched his entire career unfold, it serves as a poignant reminder of time's passage, even for the sport's most immortal figures.
