Lakers Rumors: LeBron James Felt Postseason Run Was 'Taxing' amid Retirement Buzz

The mileage added up for Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James in his 20th NBA season.

ESPN's Dave McMenamin spoke to a source who said the team's playoff run was "taxing" on James: "The long flights and physical play in the Memphis Grizzlies series; the emotional and mental fatigue in the Golden State series from taking down his old foes; and giving everything he had left to give against Denver and still losing the series 4-0."

James' durability and stamina are defining characteristics of his career. For a long time, he simply didn't get injured for long stretches, and he blocked out any fatigue or pain he was experiencing as he guided his team on a deep playoff run.

The 38-year-old is 15th of all time in minutes per game (38.1) in the regular season, and Kevin Durant is the next closest active player in 31st. He has also appeared in more playoff games (281) than any other player while logging 41.3 minutes per contest.

However, it's impossible to ignore now James is looking increasingly mortal since joining the Lakers. He has eclipsed 60 games played just once in five seasons as what might have been minor injuries previously can't be shaken off anymore.

The four-time MVP had 40 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists and two steals while resting for just four seconds of Monday's 113-111 loss to the Denver Nuggets. By the end, he simply looked gassed.

Even if Los Angeles had managed to extend the series, it would have been prolonging the inevitable because the team's best player only had so much left in the tank.

The offseason will allow James to heal and recharge his batteries. By July or August, he might be feeling a lot better and reach a place where he's ready to give it a go for at least one more year.

Should the future Hall of Famer decide the grind simply isn't worth it anymore, nobody would blame him.