Tyronn Lue temporarily stepping down as Cavs coach

According to a statement released by the Cavs Monday morning, Cavaliers head coach is temporarily stepping down due to health issues. According to the statement, Lue has been dealing with chest pains and has had trouble sleeping.

“After many conversations with our doctors and Koby [Altman] 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, per the release. “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.”

Lue, 40, has missed a few games this season due to illness and, per cleveland.com, has resisted previous suggestions that he step away to focus on his health. He has been the Cavs coach since the middle of the 2015-16 season, when he replaced the fired David Blatt.

Assistant coach Larry Drew will fill in for Lue. In four seasons - three with the Hawks, one with the Bucks - Drew has a career record of 143-169. He has filled in for Lue before and has been with the Cavaliers since 2014.