TORONTO – LeBron James was unmoved when his historic scoring streak that spanned nearly two decades ended.
Rui Hachimura hit a buzzer-beating three as the Los Angeles Lakers edged the Toronto Raptors 123-120 on Thursday. James, one of the best NBA players of all-time, managed only eight points for L.A., snapping his record-setting streak of 1,297 consecutive double-digit scoring games in the regular season.
James was asked what feelings he had about the run — which dated back to Jan. 5, 2007 — coming to an end.
“None,” said James, standing at his locker. “We won.”
James still finished with 11 assists and six rebounds for the Lakers (16-5).
The 40-year-old James missed training camp for the first time in his storied 23-year career due to sciatic nerve irritation. He also missed the first 14 games of Los Angeles’s season.
Story continues below advertisement
Related Videos
5:33
Catching up on Canada’s big sports moments
Previous Video
Next Video
“I’m still figuring my rhythm, figuring out everything, as far as offensively, knowing I can still make an impact on the floor when I’m out there,” said James. “But I’m still trying to feel it out.”
Get daily National news
Get the day’s top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
Austin Reaves exploded for 44 points with 10 assists, more than making up for the absence of Luka Doncic, an early candidate for NBA MVP. He didn’t travel to Toronto with the Lakers for personal reasons.
Scottie Barnes had a double-double for the Raptors (15-8) with 23 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists. He was also primarily responsible for shutting down James in the loss.
“I thought that Scottie did an outstanding job on him,” said Toronto head coach Darko Rajakovic, who noted that James didn’t get a single free throw, was 4 for 17 on field goals and missed all five of his three-point attempts. “A big reason was Scottie, putting him in tough positions and tough situations.
Trending Now
-
Carney ‘will have to answer’ questions after tax credit flip-flop, Liberal MP says
-
Carney to meet with Trump, Sheinbaum in D.C. as CUSMA future in question
Story continues below advertisement
“At the same time, (James is) a player who is really good with the ball. With his size and his understanding of the game, he sees the court really well.”
Raptors guard Ja’Kobe Walter who, at 21 years old was born a year after James’s NBA career began, said it was shocking to be a part of the defence that ended the streak.
“I grew up watching him, and to know that he’s always had that streak going and it’s ended today, it’s pretty cool just to be a part of it,” said Walter. “But it’s pretty crazy to think about.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 4, 2025.
© 2025 The Canadian Press
