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

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Los Angeles Lakers head coach J.J. 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.

Turning 40 later this month, it seems that Father Time may just be sneaking up on the NBA's all-time leading scorer.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

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

In fact, Redick admitted that 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 couple of games for some breaks.

"For us, we have to be cognizant as we play more and more games, just the cumulative effect of playing a lot of minutes and Sunday, being banged up with the foot thing, it felt like a good opportunity for him to get some rest," Redick said.

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

While he already has six triple-doubles this season – including four-straight at one point – his 23.0 points per game are the lowest he's 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