Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is out for Friday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

James, who turns 40 later this month, did not travel with the team to Minnesota and missed last Sunday’s win against the Portland Trail Blazers because of a foot injury.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick said this week that James is taking “some time” away from practice after the team was given extra days of rest because it failed to advance to the NBA Cup quarterfinals. Should James return on Sunday against the Memphis Grizzlies, he would have had eight days between games.

Redick added Wednesday that James’ excused absence was for “personal reasons.” No further details were released.

Redick said before Sunday’s Trail Blazers game that James’ time off this week “could be really good for him.” After the game, he encouraged all of the Lakers’ players to make the most of the extended break at the start of the season.

“Hell, if someone wants to spend a few nights in Santa Barbara and relax, that’s fine too,” Redick said, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “It’s a quarter of the season.”

James averaged 23 points, 9.1 assists and 8 rebounds this season and remains one of the league’s most dominant forces. He has also shown signs of wear and tear, including a 10-point outburst in a loss to the Timberwolves on Dec. 2 that threatened to end a streak of 1,242 consecutive games with double-digit points.

The Lakers (13-11) also stumbled into the NBA Cup break with seven losses in 10 games, including a 134-93 loss to the Heat on Dec. 4. If there are opportunities for James to take a step back within the confines of NBA rules, it makes sense for him and the Lakers to take advantage.

While he may simply need a break, James’ absence has sparked rumors that the four-time NBA MVP and NBA champion could be traded.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that James’ name has come up in discussions around the league. The Golden State Warriors had inquired about pairing James and Stephen Curry before last season’s trade deadline, but were shot down by both James and the Lakers.

James has a no-trade clause in his contract, allowing him to determine his destination should he wish to leave Los Angeles.