INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- It wasn't until just before shootaround on Monday that LeBron James learned that Tyronn Lue will take a leave of absence from the Cleveland Cavaliers.
As the Cavs wrapped up their preparations for their Monday night tip against the Milwaukee Bucks, the team's superstar forward reacted to his head coach's unexpected departure.
"It's probably well overdue, understanding what he's been going through throughout this season," James said. "Obviously health is the most important with everything in life. I'm not surprised by it at all."
James went on to discuss the impact losing Lue -- for however long -- would have on the Cavs as they fight for playoff seeding in their final 13 games of the regular season.
"It's like losing one of your best players, obviously," James said. "It's a guy that's pretty much the captain of our ship and has done anything for us for the last three years. Everyone has to step up. We have coaches in place that's ready for that challenge and we have to do our job as players as well."
For the Cavs, that coach will be Larry Drew, who will replace Lue as the team's head coach for the time being. Health issues had forced Lue to leave the team on at least three other occasions this season -- including the team's win over the Chicago Bulls on Saturday.
Currently laying claim to a 40-29 record heading into their 70th game of the season on Monday, the Cavs sit just a half-game ahead of the Washington Wizards and Indiana Pacers for third place in the Eastern Conference. Cleveland is embarking on a crucial final stretch of the season, which will include two games against the Toronto Raptors -- the top team in East this season.
Lue's leave of absence marks just the latest twist in a season that's possessed no shortage of them for the Cavs. After trading star guard Kyrie Irving in August, Cleveland has endured both winning and losing streaks on the court, crucial injuries and a complete roster transformation at the NBA Trade Deadline in February.
"Today is Game 70. Health -- both for the players and the coaches -- is most important for our team," James said. "Everything else will take care of itself. Just put us to work these last few weeks of the regular season and see what happens."
