LeBron James steps away from Lakers for ‘personal reasons’ amid shooting slump, feeling ‘gassed’

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said Thursday that LeBron James is away from the team due to “personal reasons.”

Redick called it an “excused absence” as James’ status for Friday is up in the air — he was already dealing with a foot injury and missed Wednesday’s game, his first of the year.

With Father Time turning 40 later this month, it looks like Father Time might just be sneaking up on the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.

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LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the Utah Jazz on December 1, 2024 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Jamie Sabau/NBAE via Getty Images)

In fact, Redick admitted James has felt “gassed” and the team feels they are mismanaging his minutes in his 22nd season. Redick also said James has asked to be taken out of a few games during some breaks.

“For us, we have to be aware as we play more and more games, just the cumulative effect of playing a lot of minutes and Sunday, getting beat up with the foot, it felt like a good opportunity for him to get some rest ” Redick said.

James expressed earlier this season a desire to play in all 82 games, but both he and the Lakers are now practical with the inevitable minor injuries that occur during any season.

Although he already has six triple-doubles this season – including four straight at one point – his 23.0 points per game game the lowest he has posted since his rookie season over 20 years ago with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) gestures to a teammate during the first half against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. (John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images)

UFC STAR COLBY COVINGTON BLOWS LEBRON JAMES ON OLD ‘DIDDY PARTY’ COMMENT: ‘F—ING SCUMBAG’

James looks like his vintage self on the glass and beyond; he averages 8.0 rebounds and 9.1 assists per game. game, both over career totals. However, his three-point shooting has taken a dip.

Through 15 games, he hit three-pointers at a career-best 43.0% clip. In his next seven, however, he hit just four of 34 and had missed 20 in a row. He went 6-for-11 from deep in his last game and dropped 39 points, but it was just the second time he eclipsed 20 in his last seven games.

Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James celebrates a three-pointer against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Toronto, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

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The Lakers are on a 3-7 skid since their 10-4 start to the season, but Redick remains confident in their ability to solve the issues that have bedeviled them recently in offensive consistency and defensive intensity. Redick also said he has spoken often with James and Anthony Davis about the Lakers’ ability to stay mentally strong during bad stretches.

Separately, news of James’ absence followed UFC star Colby Covington’s rant about the all-time leading scorer, questioning James’ alleged ties to disgraced music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs and his now infamous “Diddy Parties.”

James was recently confronted by an NFL fan who accused him of attending Combs’ parties until security intervened. It is not known whether or not James attended any of Combs’ parties in the past.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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