Lakers Practice, But LeBron Absent for "Personal Reasons" Amid Trade Rumors. Plus, Reaves Day-to-Day

Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

After a couple of days off (including one "get what you need" day) the Lakers got back on the floor Wednesday in El Segundo, and there were some welcome bodies back on the floor.

Namely, Austin Reaves was back. Not exactly practicing fully, JJ Redick said, but doing a lot of 5-on-5 work, which points to a potential return whether on Friday in Minnesota or Sunday at home against Memphis. But missing from the afternoon's work? LeBron James. He was out for what was described as "personal reasons," with no details on when he'll be back with the team, or if he'd be available for Friday.

All of this took place on a day where ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that the Golden State Warriors are kicking the tires again on James, wondering if he'd be interested in moving north, and if the Lakers would then accommodate. To be clear, Windy said there is zero indication James wants out—he did say LeBron very much wants but the combination of his reporting and the timing of LeBron's absence had people talking. And LeBron knows this.

While it's interesting to consider how James might be putting leverage on the organization, it's equally interesting to think about alternate explanations for needing a little time. There are obviously the physical reasons. LeBron has been dealing with foot and ankle problems, and looked exhausted for much of the team's recent run of games (though it should be noted, he finished with stronger efforts against Miami and Atlanta). But James has often talked about the mental end of things, and how hard it is to maintain the energy and dedication required to compete at the level he expects (and that the Lakers need).

So what if this is a mental break, as much as anything? Would that indicate that James is at least inching closer to a conclusion in his career? Where the body might still be holding up (well enough, for now) but the mind can't quite carry the burden as effectively? We'll learn a lot more once James is back with the team and presumably answers some questions. But it's a reminder of the fascinating, and virtually unprecedented, place the Lakers are in vis-a-vis their star forward.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Reaves (almost?) back, but LeBron is absent.

SEGMENT 2: Why was LeBron gone?

SEGMENT 3: What to do with D'Angelo Russell?

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