LeBron insists he doesn't need more rest: 'I'm here to work'

LeBron James is one of the most durable players in league history, with nearly 60,000 minutes on his NBA odometer between regular and postseason play.

Now in his age 36 season, The King doesn't feel he has to take the foot off the pedal just yet.

"I think this whole narrative of 'LeBron needs more rest,' or I should take more rest, or I should take time here, it's become a lot bigger than what it actually is," James said following the Los Angeles Lakers' 127-124 overtime loss to the Washington Wizards, courtesy of ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

"We all need more rest, shit. This is a fast turnaround from last season, and we all wish we could have more rest. But I'm here to work, I'm here to punch my clock in and be available to my teammates," James added.

Despite coming off a quick 71-day offseason following Los Angeles' championship run, the Lakers star is averaging 35 minutes per game, which ranks top-20 in the Association. James' playing time has noticeably spiked this month, especially with co-star Anthony Davis sidelined the past four contests with a calf strain.

The four-time champion insists he'll continue playing as much as possible.

"I have never asked for time off or time throughout the season. And it's growing to a point where it's not even coming from me anymore. It's just like, 'OK, LeBron should take time off' or 'Why is his workload at this?'" James said.

"I've been hearing it for five, six, seven years now, and I'm still going strong. So I don't need a handout, I'm not looking for a handout, my job is to go out when I'm available, when I'm healthy to go out and play, and that's what it's all about," he continued.

James has once again been L.A.'s heart and soul this season, putting together an MVP caliber campaign while averaging 25.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 8.1 assists through 32 games.