CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue will step away from coaching to focus on his health, the team announced Monday.
Lue, 40, did not return for the second half of Saturday night’s 114-109 win against the Chicago Bulls with an illness, marking the third time this season that his health has kept him from coaching an entire game.
“After many conversations with our doctors and Koby 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.
I have had chest pains and other troubling symptoms, compounded by a loss of sleep, throughout the year. Despite a battery of tests, there have been no conclusions as to what the exact issue is.
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.”
I greatly appreciate Dan Gilbert, Koby Altman, our medical team and the organization’s support throughout.”
“We know how difficult these circumstances are for Coach Lue and we support him totally in this focused approach to addressing his health issues,” said Koby Altman.