Introduction
In what may be one of the most poetic endings to a monumental NBA record, Los Angeles Lakers veteran LeBron James saw his incredible streak of consecutive games scoring at least 10 points come to a close tonight. For the first time since 2007, LeBron scored fewer than 10 points — yet the night ended not in frustration, but with a clutch game-winning assist. Here’s everything you need to know: when the streak began, how it ended tonight, and what it means in context of his legendary career.
What Happened Tonight
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In the December 4, 2025 game vs. Toronto Raptors, LeBron was held to just 8 points on 4-of-17 shooting (0-of-5 from three).
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The Lakers won the game 123-120, thanks to a buzzer-beating corner three from Rui Hachimura — and the assist came from LeBron.
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Rather than attempt a last-second shot to preserve his streak, LeBron made the team-first play, dishing the ball to Hachimura for the game-winning basket.
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After the game, when asked about the streak ending, LeBron’s response was simple: “None. We won.”
So yes — the streak is over, but the game, and the win, live on.
When Did the 10-Point Streak Start?
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The streak began on January 6, 2007 — the previous time LeBron had scored fewer than 10 points in a regular-season game.
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That means the streak lasted nearly 19 years, across more than 1,297 regular-season games in which he scored at least 10 points.
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In doing so, LeBron obliterated the prior NBA record for consecutive 10+ point games, held by Michael Jordan at 866 games. No one else came even close historically.
Why This Record Was So Extraordinary
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Longevity & Consistency — Scoring double figures in a game once is common; doing it for almost two decades, across injuries, team changes, aging, and shifting roles, is nearly unprecedented.
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Across Eras & Teams — LeBron maintained the streak through multiple teams, evolving playing styles, and eras of NBA pace and defensive strategies.
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Durability — Avoiding significant scoring droughts or slumpy nights for 1,297 games speaks volumes about his fitness, focus, and commitment — even in “down” seasons.
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Statistical Dominance — The next best streak is nearly 400 games shorter; the gap is so wide that many analysts consider LeBron’s record effectively “unbreakable.”
What It Means: Bigger Than a Streak
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The streak ending does not tarnish LeBron’s legacy — if anything, it underscores his greatness. Ending the streak on a selfless pass leading to a game-winning shot epitomizes his career-long blend of scoring, playmaking, and leadership.
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For many fans and analysts, this moment may stand as one of the most “LeBron” moments ever: prioritizing team success over personal marks.
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Practically speaking: with the current pace and physical demands of the modern NBA — plus age and wear for LeBron — it’s highly unlikely any active player gets close to this streak in their career.
FAQ: Common Questions Answered
Q: Is the streak ending permanent? Could LeBron start a new one?
A: Yes — the streak is over. Records count consecutive games, so this break ends it permanently. He could begin another streak, but it wouldn’t erase the gap nor restore the 1,297-game run.
Q: Does this include playoff games?
A: No. The streak applied only to regular-season games. Playoffs are tracked separately.
Q: Was he trying to preserve the streak tonight?
A: No — at least by his own and many observers’ account, he wasn’t chasing the stat tonight. When the opportunity for a clutch assist presented itself, he valued the team win over his personal streak.
Q: How does this compare to other NBA legends?
A: The previous record was 866 consecutive 10+ point games by Michael Jordan. LeBron surpassed that by more than 400 games — a margin so huge that many see the record as unbreakable.
Q: Does this mean LeBron is slowing down overall?
A: Not necessarily. At 40 (or 41, depending on timing), he’s still contributing — with assists, rebounds, veteran leadership, and game-winning plays. This moment may simply reflect context: defense, game flow, and strategic decisions over raw scoring.
Conclusion
The end of LeBron James’ 1,297-game double-digit scoring streak isn’t a failure — it’s a testament to one of the most consistent, durable, and team-first careers in NBA history. On a night packed with symbolism, he didn’t force a shot for personal history; he made the winning pass for his team. For nearly two decades, nearly 1,300 games, LeBron proved that regardless of age or circumstance, he could be counted on to score. Tonight, he proved that even when he doesn’t score — he still wins.
