Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue returned on Thursday to take over as head coach following a nine game long absence to resolve health issues.
In an interview with reporters, Lue revealed that Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert and general manager Koby Altman stepped in after the coach felt “piercing” chest pains—an issue he was dealing with for almost a year and a half—that forced him to stay in the locker room for the start of the third quarter during Cleveland’s game against the Chicago Bulls on March 17.
Lue shared some of the personal conversations he had with LeBron James prior to taking a leave of absence where the four-time MVP reassured him that he would take care of the team in the meantime. "Having LeBron's validation, just being like, 'I got it. Take some time off, get yourself ready for the playoffs. I'll take care of the team. I'll make sure everything is good,'" he said. "And he's playing at a high level, so he's a man of his word."
The irony of LeBron’s statement is that everyone kinda assumes that he already is the head coach and general manager of the Cavaliers without receiving those specific titles. In Lue’s absence, LeCoach helped lead the Cavs to an 8-1 record during Lue's absence.
Regardless of what people think about Lue as the Cavs’ head coach, James is certain that his return will invigorate the entire team as they near the playoffs. "He's our championship head coach, so he knows everything about our team," James said. "He knows how to get the best out of our players, even though we've got a lot of new guys. But just his command, having him back out there, it's going to be good for us."
