Tyronn Lue is taking a leave of absence from the Cavaliers

By Ian Levy | Mar 19, 2018

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 13: Head coach Tyronn Lue of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on March 13, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Cavaliers defeated the Suns 129-107 NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

The Cavaliers have been struggling to get right down the stretch. The level of difficulty has just increased with the news that head coach Tyronn Lue is taking a leave of absence.

The Cavaliers have announced today that head coach Tyronn Lue will be taking a leave of absence from the team to deal with recurring health issues. Lue has left three games with symptoms. The team announced that assistant coach Larry Drew will take over in the interim while Lue recuperates.

After Lue left Saturday night’s win over the Bulls (before this leave was announced), LeBron James talked about his concern for Lue, according to ESPN.

"“I mean, he’s the captain of the ship, so absolutely. We worry about his health, obviously. That’s way more important than this game of basketball. We know he’s been doing everything he needs to do to stay healthy. Take even more measures to get himself right. Everything that’s been going on with our year, it’s just another one.”"

In a press release, GM Koby Altman expressed support for Lue as he worked towards getting healthy, and Lue offered this explanation for what’s been going on.

"“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.”"

A follow-up announcement indicated that Lue’s leave would be assessed week-to-week and he could be back on the sidelines soon.

Tyronn Lue will be on a one-week plan to address his health issues, per source. The current plan is to return to the bench next week.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) March 19, 2018

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The Cavaliers are currently 40-29 and holding onto the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. They’re proved remarkable resilient this season and here’s hoping they can get right while Lue gets healthy.

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