LeBron James Will Become The Youngest Player To Reach 50,000 Minutes

The list of accomplishments on LeBron James’ resume are plentiful. In Cleveland’s next game, he will look to add another.

Over the last couple of seasons, many NBA executives and former players have made a big deal when healthy players rest in regular season games. San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich made the practice common by resting his older stars in unimportant regular season games or on the end of back-to-backs. LeBron James has taken a similar approach. He sometimes decides to rest when the grueling NBA schedule is taking a toll on his body.

James deserves his rest more than any other player, having now played 49,996 total minutes between the regular season and playoffs. When James takes the floor in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, he will become the youngest player ever to play 50,000 total minutes in his career.

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We often praise James for his ability to score, pass and defend. However, his most impressive ability might be his durability.

James has never missed more than 13 games in a single season in his 14 years in the NBA.

He’s averaged 38.9 minutes per game in his career, good for 7th all-time. Five of the players on that list played back in the 1950’s and 60’s. Coaches would often play their stars 40 minutes or more each game during that time.

In the modern era, where rest is more valued, Allen Iverson is the only player to average more minutes a game than James.

In his playoff career, James has already logged more minutes than all-time greats like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell.

This postseason, the 32-year-old James is averaging 42.4 minutes per game, second in the NBA behind Paul George.

That is why the Cavaliers have worked so hard to sweep their opponents in the two previous playoff series.

Now, James needs his rest so that he can play at peak efficiency.

What is the most impressive accolade that LeBron has so far in his career? Leave your answer in the comments section or on Twitter @KJG_NBA.