What LeBron James ‘never’ did during a 1,297-game double-digit streak

LeBron James recently offered insight into the mindset behind one of the most significant statistical feats in NBA history, explaining what he never did during his Double-digit hitting streak of 1,297 games for the Los Angeles Lakers and previously for Cleveland and Miami.

On the latest episode of the Mind the Game podcast, James discussed the streak with former NBA player and Hall of Famer Steve Nash, revealing that he never entered the game focused on maintaining the milestone.

“I’m a guy who goes to the bench and I like to look at the stats, I like to see what I’m shooting from the field. I like to be super efficient. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t know how many points I had at any point in the game. But I’ve never gone into a game on a streak saying, ‘I’ve got to go on a ten-point streak,’ I’ve got to go on this streak. It would be a disservice to me and the way I play the game, and it showed in how the streak ended the way I’ve always played the game.”

James’ streak, the longest in NBA history, has ended Dec. 4 in a 123-120 win over the Toronto Raptors. He finished the game with eight points, 11 assists and six rebounds while shooting 4-for-17 from the field and 0-for-5 from three in 36 minutes. Despite an ineffective night, James played a central role in the victory as a mediator.

“I’ve never gone into a game on a streak saying, ‘Okay, I’ve got to get 10 points. I’ve got to keep this streak going.’ That would be a disservice to me.”

LeBron James at the end of his 1,297-game double-digit hitting streak.

(via @mindthegamepod)pic.twitter.com/ltmNk3of58 https://t.co/5CIKKvSHUF

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 23, 2025

LeBron James puts the Lakers’ win ahead of preserving their historic scoring streak

Nash replayed a late-game sequence in which James had a chance to save the streak but instead passed the ball to Rui Hachimura for a corner three that sealed the win at the buzzer. Nash asked if James was aware he hadn’t reached double figures yet.

“Yeah, I was clearly aware. I wasn’t in rhythm. The one rhythm that I know I’ll always have is the ability to get the crowd going and put the ball on time, on target. I had a couple of shots in that game where I literally had a 3-pointer on the right wing that would have put me back to 11 points, back to 11 points, back to 11 points. rim again, and then I said, ‘okay, it’s one of those nights.’

The streak spanned more than 16 seasons and highlighted James’ consistency as a scorer across roles, teammates and systems. Even at 40, he continues to produce at a high level. Over the past five games, James has averaged 27.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists while shooting 53.8% from the field, reflecting an uptick in scoring despite the end of his historic streak.

James and the Lakers (19-7) will now turn their attention to the upcoming schedule. Los Angeles will visit the Phoenix Suns (15-13) on Tuesday at 9:00 PM ET before returning home to open a five-game homestand on Christmas Day. The The Lakers will host the Houston Rockets (17-9) on Thursday. at 8:00 PM ET in a nationally televised game on ABC and ESPN, continuing a stretch that will test the team’s depth and consistency as the season progresses.