Associated Press

LAS VEGAS (AP) — LeBron James was the headliner in Las Vegas this time last year, the star attraction, as he and the Los Angeles Lakers came close to winning the first version of the event now known as the NBA Cup.

It seems very different now.

“Personal reasons … he needs some time,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said this week as he detailed why James missed practice. “Left foot pain” is the reason the Lakers ruled him out of Friday’s game in Minnesota. There has been speculation about the trade in recent days, and it’s safe to assume that a team like Golden State would clamor for James if he were available. And he turns 40 in about two weeks.

Whenever James is out, it’s a story. Taking time off for personal reasons is a story. It could mean he is injured. It could mean he’s tired of the Lakers’ struggles in recent weeks. It could mean he just needs a break. It could mean anything. The only thing that is certain is that he won’t play on Friday.

“It’s all very fluid,” Redick said when asked about James’ absence. “That’s all. It’s all like that. That’s what emerged.”

James’ no-trade clause is currently the ultimate card in the deck. If James wants to be traded, he will probably be traded. If he doesn’t, he remains a Laker and will continue on a roster that also includes his son Bronny. The Lakers only play two games next week. It’s a nice time for a break when his left foot is a problem and he needs to take some time off due to the rigors of 22 seasons.

In short, nobody knows anything. Except for LeBron, of course.

He’s the oldest player in the league, has set almost every record he’ll ever set, and has more money than he could ever spend. There’s nothing left to prove. He is under contract for next season, but the goal – whether after this season or not – is getting closer and closer.

“To be completely honest, I won’t be playing for that long. I don’t know how many years that is, one year, two years, whatever the case may be,” James said last month. “I’m not playing until the wheels fall off.” I’m not going to be that guy. I’m not going to be the guy that disrespects the game because I just want to be on the floor. That won’t be me.”

The numbers show that the wheels didn’t fall off. His scoring is down (23 points per game, his lowest average since his rookie season), but his rebound and assist numbers are up compared to last season. The only other player this season averaging 23 points, eight rebounds and nine assists per game is Denver’s Nikola Jokic, who is likely the MVP front-runner again. The wheels are fine.

It should be noted that this time of year is the start of the NBA’s crazy season. As of Sunday, 85 players can be traded. Trades are currently the talk of the league behind the scenes as there are some big names, including plenty of speculation surrounding Jimmy Butler’s future in Miami.

“Stories,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Thursday. “It’s going to happen in every organization at some point during the season.”

This could be the point for the Lakers. Since Friday’s start, they have lost seven of their last 10 games, four of them by at least 25 points. James seemed frustrated, although it’s only natural for him to feel that way after big losses.

His presence is still felt in Las Vegas this week as the league meets to finalize the NBA Cup. Near the baggage claim carousels at the airport is a huge advertisement featuring James, promoting his connection to a liquor company. However, he will not be seen on the pitch. And it is not clear when he will be seen again.

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