Cavs Coach Tyronn Lue Takes Leave Of Absence, Cites Health Issues

The Cavaliers today announced Lue will be taking a leave of absence from the team. Lue, who had not previously disclosed the illness or its symptoms, said he has been suffering from chest pains, a lack of sleep “and other troubling symptoms.” Doctors, however, have reached “no conclusions as to what the exact issue is.”

Here’s Lue’s statement, via the team:

After many conversations with our doctors and Koby [Altman, the Cavaliers GM] and much thought given to what is best for the team and my health, I need to step back from coaching for the time being and focus on trying to establish a stronger and healthier foundation from which to coach for the rest of the season.

While I have tried to work through it, the last thing I want is for it to affect the team. I am going to use this time to focus on a prescribed routine and medication, which has previously been difficult to start in the midst of a season. My goal is to come out of it a stronger and healthier version of myself so I can continue to lead this team to the Championship we are all working towards.

Lue has missed parts of three games this year due to sickness, including the second half of Saturday’s win over the Bulls.

LeBron James said after Saturday’s game that Lue’s illness was affecting the team, at least in the sense that they were concerned for their coach. “We worry about his health, obviously,” James told reporters after the game. “That’s way more important than this game of basketball. We know he’s been doing everything he needs to do to stay healthy — [maybe he should] take even more measures to get himself right.”

Larry Drew will take over as interim coach for the Cavaliers.