Cleveland Cavs coach Tyronn Lue will be taking a leave of absence for health reasons.
The 40-year old has been suffering from chest pains, a lack of sleep and other troubling symptoms.
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," Lue said in a statement.
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.
It's been a tumultuous season for the underperforming Cavs, who shook up their roster last month with a series of surprising trades.
Lebron James hinted that Lue might be taking a leave after Saturday night's game.
“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.”
Assistant coach Larry Drew will coach the team in Lue's absence.