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

Los Angeles Lakers head coach J.J. Redick revealed on Thursday that LeBron James is currently away from the team due to “personal reasons.” Redick described James’ absence as an “excused absence,” indicating that his status for Friday’s game is uncertain as he continues to deal with a foot injury that caused him to miss Wednesday’s game, the first game he has missed this season.

With his 40th birthday approaching later this month, it appears that Father Time may be catching up with the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. Redick acknowledged that James has been feeling fatigued and the team believes they may have been overplaying him in his 22nd season. James has even requested to be taken out of a few games for rest, highlighting the importance of managing his minutes carefully.

Despite James expressing his desire to play in all 82 games this season, both he and the Lakers are now being more practical in handling minor injuries that come with the territory of a long NBA season. While James has recorded six triple-doubles this season and continues to excel in rebounding and assists, his scoring average of 23.0 points per game is the lowest it has been since his rookie season over two decades ago.

Although his three-point shooting has been inconsistent, with a career-best start followed by a rough patch, James bounced back in his last game with an impressive performance. The Lakers have been struggling recently with a 3-7 record since their 10-4 start, but Redick remains optimistic about their ability to address the issues plaguing them, such as offensive consistency and defensive intensity.

Redick has been in constant communication with James and Anthony Davis about maintaining mental toughness during tough stretches, emphasizing the importance of staying focused and resilient. Despite the team’s recent struggles, Redick believes the Lakers have the talent and mindset to overcome adversity and get back on track.

In conclusion, while James’ absence may raise concerns among Lakers fans, the team remains confident in their ability to weather the storm and bounce back stronger. With the support of their coaching staff and star players, the Lakers are determined to work through their challenges and emerge as a stronger and more cohesive unit.