'Get some rest': LeBron James stays put on sidelines amid troubling run and trade rumours

LeBron James has been granted an "excused absence" by the Los Angeles Lakers as concerns over his troubling decline and trade rumours begin to rise.

The Lakers star, set to turn 40 later this month, will miss his second consecutive game for the Lakers as he continues to monitor soreness in his left foot.

The top scorer in NBA history had previously declared his goal to play all 82 games with the Lakers this season.

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James has cited "personal reasons" for his absence from the team, as per coach JJ Redick.

"LeBron is not with the team right now," Redick told reporters at practice.

"For us, we have a cognizant as we play more and more games, just the cumulative effect of playing a lot of minutes.

"Being banged up with the foot thing, it felt like a good opportunity for him to get some rest."

James had previously expressed his desire to feature in all 82 games with the Lakers this season, but lingering minor injuries have forced him onto the sidelines.

Redick added that James would "take same time" to work on his game after a troubling run from the three-point line.

The break comes at a slow time for the Lakers,who have a four day break between games courtesy of the NBA Cup.

It remains unclear if James will be fit for return for the Lakers match against the Grizzlies.