LeBron James appears to be searching for answers as he retires from the Lakers amid a troubling decline and simmering trade rumors.

“LeBron is not with the team right now,” Redick told reporters at practice on Wednesday. “He is out for personal reasons, his absence is excused.”

James missed his first game of the season against the Blazers on Sunday – a 107-98 win – after previously setting a goal of playing all 82 games in his age-40 season.

Redick added that James would “need some time” after struggling badly in his last few games, including going 0-for-20 from beyond the 3-point line.

There is a break in the Lakers’ schedule as there are four days between games – thanks to the NBA Cup – and their next game is Friday in Minnesota.

It is unclear whether James will return for this game.

Also on Wednesday, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said the Warriors will “definitely keep an eye on” James’ status as they search for another star alongside Stephen Curry.

With the 82-game pipe dream now shattered, the Lakers can focus on resting their all-time great forward and using him more strategically.

James appeared to be exhausted of late, having played all 23 games to this point, significantly conserving energy and doing less defensive work.

The advanced stats show that James is slowly starting to show his age and that is affecting his game too.

James’ scoring stats are still outstanding: he played 35 minutes per game and scored 23 points, eight rebounds and 9.1 assists.

James’ net rating of -8.4 is the worst of any Lakers starter and by far the worst number of his career.

James also has a 12.5 percent turnover rate, the worst of his career.

Maybe a break will do everyone good, as the league’s oldest team has some time to recover after just passing the quarter mark in the NBA season.

The Lakers had lost seven of their last ten games after a promising 10-4 start under Redick.

“Hell, if somebody wants to spend a few nights in Santa Barbara and relax, that’s fine too,” Redick said after the Blazers game.