Cavs' Lue: LeBron, Warriors' Kerr key during time away
During the course of his nine-game leave of absence, Cleveland Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue leaned on several individuals in his quest to address his health issues.
One was his star player, LeBron James, who assured him he would take care of the team while the coach was away. And another was one of Lue's biggest rivals the last few years -- Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, whose health issues following back surgery have forced him from the sideline in past seasons.
"All the love and support was very humbling because a lot of coaches from around the league called and (texted)," Lue told reporters at the Cavs' shootaround Thursday. "... And Steve Kerr, who I have talked to a lot during the process, was very good to me. ... He's been great. I really appreciate that.
"... This was the first time in 20 years where I really just had a chance to focus on me and get myself right and (Kerr) reminded of that. We get so wrapped up in the game that we forget about real life, and it was the best advice I got so thank Steve for that."
Lue is set to return to the sideline Thursday as the Cavaliers host the Washington Wizards. The 40-year-old has been away from the team since "piercing" chest pains kept him in the locker room for the start of the third quarter of a game against the Chicago Bulls on March 17.
It was then that Cavs owner Dan Gilbert and general manager Koby Altman told him he needed to take time to address his health.
"It's been going on for a long period of time," Lue said. "After the Chicago game when I had to leave at halftime, Koby and Dan and those guys said, 'That's enough. You have to get yourself healthy and get ready for the long haul.' So I really appreciate that."
Lue was also appreciative of James for stepping up in his absence. Cleveland went 8-1 without him, with James the team's leading scorer in each contest.
"It was the best thing for me," Lue said. "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.' And he's playing at a high level, so he's a man of his word."
The four-time MVP is happy to have his coach back.
"He's our championship head coach, so he knows everything about our team," James told reporters Thursday. "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."
While Lue is back, much is different in his personal life. He changed medications, hired a new personal chef and has committed himself to diet and exercise changes. He said he's in "a much better place now" and is confident he won't have to miss any more time.
"No Shirley Temples. No orange juice with Sprite," Lue said. "I haven't had soda in almost three weeks. Just I guess the diet has probably been the toughest thing, just trying to eat better, eat cleaner. I got a new chef and she's been great and so that's probably the hardest thing, just trying to eat better and exercising. I should be doing that anyway because I've been a professional athlete my whole life, so it's just good to get back to doing that also."
Lue also singled out associate head coach Larry Drew for taking over while he was away.
"I thought our coaches did a fantastic job," Lue said. "Larry Drew was unbelievable, stepped into a situation like this and performing the way he did. And he doesn't have a head-coaching job in this league? It's kind of crazy to me. But he did a tremendous job; our coaches did a great job of just stepping up and having my back when I took this time off."
--Field Level Media
