Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

As Dwyane Wade's DNP total continues to rise in advance of the NBA playoffs, LeBron James assured everyone that he doesn't plan to follow suit.

Instead, he'll be suiting up.

Per Shandel Richardson of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, James said:

I don't plan on sitting out any of these (eight) games unless something happens. I'm going to be in the lineup. It's never been part of my DNA. If I feel I can get something, I've got to be out there for my teammates. It's my obligation to be out there for them. I'm dealing with a few things but for me to sit out, I have to be dealing with a lot more.

On the season, King James has missed a grand total of three games.

And while his vow to participate in every contest between now and the end of the season can't fairly be construed as a shot against Wade, it's interesting to note that James' running mate has already missed more than a quarter of the 2013-14 season with a variety of ailments.

Perhaps James is sending a subtle message.

After all, he concluded his remarks to the media by reiterating, "I'm out there for my teammates. We need to get a win," per Richardson.

Then again, there might be a more obvious explanation. Maybe James just doesn't want to miss out on the few remaining chances he'll have to do things like this during the regular season:

In any case, James' insistence on playing as long as he's able is something that has always been a part of his makeup:

His commitment to finishing out the year is nothing new.

With the Miami Heat locked in a virtual tie for the No. 1 seed in the East, it'll be doubly important for LBJ to anchor his team down the stretch. The reeling Indiana Pacers will have the power of desperation at their disposal, so James' presence in the lineup will be necessary if Miami wants to steal that top spot.

Typically, stars take breaks down the stretch when their teams are already locked into playoff position. With home-court advantage still at stake, James has every reason to sprint the final stretch.