LeBron James' historic 1,297-game double-digit scoring streak ends

Toronto: LeBron James' NBA-record streak of 1,297 consecutive regular-season games with 10+ points came to a dramatic end Thursday night, as the Los Angeles Lakers edged the Toronto Raptors 123-120 in a high-stakes NBA showdown.

James, the 41-year-old Lakers superstar, tallied just 8 points on 4-of-16 shooting, including 0-of-5 from three-point range, with 6 rebounds and 11 assists in 35 minutes. With the score tied at 120 in the final seconds, James passed up a shot to feed Rui Hachimura for the game-winning three-pointer, prioritising victory over a personal milestone in a pivotal Western Conference clash. Lakers coach JJ Redick praised James' team-first mentality amid the LeBron scoring streak buzz dominating NBA headlines.

The streak, spanning nearly 19 years since Jan. 5, 2007, when a 22-year-old James scored 8 for Cleveland against Milwaukee, eclipsed Michael Jordan's 866-game mark and covered stints with the Cavaliers, Heat and Lakers. It stood as one of LeBron James' greatest records, fueling endless NBA stats debates and highlighting his unparalleled longevity in a gruelling 82-game season.

Lakers fans erupted online, hailing the win despite the historic end to James' double-digit scoring run, while Raptors supporters lamented a late collapse. James, now in his 23rd NBA season, remains a top contender for All-NBA honours amid the Lakers' playoff push.

The victory boosts Los Angeles to 14-7, keeping pace in the West. James declined postgame comment on the streak, focusing on team momentum heading into Friday's matchup.