A baby born on the day LeBron James last scored fewer than 10 points in an NBA regular-season game would now be an adult, given that it has been almost 19 years since that happened on January 5, 2007. Over 1,297 games later, LeBron finally scored less than 10 points again, putting up just eight points in a recent game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Raptors. This ended a remarkable streak, but in true LeBron fashion, the moment came as he made a crucial play rather than scoring himself. With the game tied and the clock winding down, after teammate Austin Reaves attempted to create a winning shot, LeBron found Rui Hachimura wide open and passed the ball, leading to Hachimura sinking the game-winning three-pointer. Though LeBron could have scored the winning shot himself, he stayed at eight points as time expired.
Throughout his career, LeBron has faced criticism for making such passes instead of taking the final shot himself, particularly in pivotal moments like the 2007 Eastern Conference Finals and the 2020 NBA Finals. Unlike stars like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, who were known for their eagerness to take game-winning shots, LeBron’s approach has always been about doing what’s best for the team—even if it means passing the ball. Despite what some critics say, he consistently makes the right play to give his team the best chance to win, demonstrated once again in this game. LeBron himself explained that making the right play has always been his mantra, and in situations where there’s a numerical advantage, he trusts his teammates to finish strong.
At 41 years old and currently experiencing a career-low scoring average this season, largely due to a slow start after coming back from sciatica, LeBron isn’t expected to dominate scoring like before. However, the Lakers boast plenty of offensive firepower with players like Austin Reaves and Luka Dončić. What they really need from LeBron is fitness, solid defense, rebounding, and intelligent playmaking—all things he showcased in the recent game with 11 assists, despite not scoring double digits. While age means he might not be as fast or relentless as in his prime, LeBron remains a basketball mastermind whose unselfish play benefits any team he’s on.
Fan Take: This moment is a powerful reminder that LeBron James’ value goes beyond just scoring—his basketball IQ and team-first mentality continue to define his legacy. For fans, it underscores a shift in the sport toward smarter, selfless playmakers who elevate their teams, showing that greatness isn’t just about points but clutch, intelligent contributions.
