NBA Hall of Famer Vince Carter believes LeBron James is logging too many minutes this season, potentially jeopardizing his longevity. Speaking on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back, Carter expressed concerns about the workload James is carrying in his 22nd year in the league.
“LeBron is playing too many darn minutes,” Carter said during the interview with Michelle Beadle, Chandler Parsons, and Danny Green. “It wears on you, no matter what your mind tells you—your body is talking to you.”
James, who turns 40 later this month, is averaging 35 minutes per game while putting up 23 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 9.1 assists. Despite his stellar performance, Carter emphasized the importance of pacing, suggesting the Lakers need to prioritize the latter stages of the season.
Addressing Lakers head coach JJ Redick, Carter advised, “You have to find time to dial him back because do you need LeBron James more in the beginning of the season or… from the middle to the back end of the year?”
The Lakers are currently 8th in the Western Conference standings with a 13-11 record. However, inconsistency and injuries have plagued the team, forcing James to take on an extended role.
James’ high minutes are notable, especially considering his age and the mileage he has accumulated over 22 seasons, including extensive playoff runs. With the team struggling to find balance, the veteran forward remains the focal point of the offense.
