Los Angeles Lakers: Luke Walton understands Tyronn Lue’s current predicament

In being a head coach, Los Angeles Lakers’ skipper Luke Walton can relate to the stress Cavs’ coach Tyronn Lue is experiencing.

Upon learning about Tyronn Lue’s sudden leave of absence (courtesy of ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski), Los Angeles Lakers’ head coach Luke Walton felt for Lue. The latter understands Lue’s plight because, just like Lue, he, too, is a head coach.

Per Wojnarowski’s article, it was reported yesterday that the Cavs’ coach was taking a respite to tackle health-related issues. Lue’s health concerns have not gone away, hence why he is leaving his team.

Although the full extent of Lue’s predicament is unknown, Lue revealed a little bit on Monday. He admitted that he has experienced a lot of chest pains mixed with sleep deprivation. Certainly, on paper, this is not an ideal combination of symptoms.

At the bare minimum, the news denotes that coaches are prone to health issues as the players are. They are people at the end of the day. A role on the sideline does not suggest that they are not doing anything.

The Charlotte Hornets’ Steve Clifford can relate to Lue. Earlier this season, he took some extended time off to take care of himself. Part of his issues entirely corresponded with what the Cavs’ coach is going through.

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The purple and gold’s Walton has a firm grasp on the grind a coach pushes through. Per Tania Ganguli of the LA Times, Walton expressed the following by-products of his daily routine.

"“It’s a stressful job,” Walton said Monday. “… You don’t get a lot of sleep, you travel a lot and you’re stressed all day long. It’s important that coaches take time to also take care of themselves as far as health … whether that’s workouts, meditate, whatever it is … because the life of travel and everything else that goes into coaching is probably not ideal for staying healthy.”"

What Walton alludes to is all too important to ignore. Many folks tend to focus their attention on what happens on the court alone. However, the preparation and other components that occur off the hardwood consume a lot of time.

For example, aspects like travel surely result in wear and tear. Due to the travel, it is key to remember that different time zones are flown through. Circadian rhythms can consequently be affected.

In terms of the Lakers, looking at Walton’s current situation is necessary. Over the last couple years, he has been given the task of bringing L.A. back to relevance. The Lakers’ storied history involves winning title after title; ergo, the expectations are monumental.

Bruno Manrique of ClutchPoints comprehends this and took the time to elaborate on what the Lakers expect from Walton.

"“Walton’s stint with the Lakers has faced some pressure of his own, expected by this new management to provide results and show signs of this team growing into a strong build with the young talent drafted by the front office.”"

On the other hand, it is every bit as critical to understanding Lue’s set of circumstances. The Cavaliers are hoping to reach the NBA Finals for the fourth straight year. That being said, the expectations are as heavy as Walton’s.

With respect to the Cavs, too, the adversity they have endured this season should not be taken lightly. Factors like losing streaks, injuries, and roster changes have come into play. It is fair to say those factors and more have taken a toll on the 40-year-old Lue.

What these points demonstrate is that coaches deal with a lot of pressure. Just like the players they coach, management, the media, fans, and so forth are constantly on their backs. Because it is a high profile role, it is inevitable.

Therefore, it makes sense that taking care of the self can oftentimes take a back seat. Coaches are expected to please a lot of people, so living a balanced lifestyle is not easy.

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Ganguli’s piece went on to explain the physical afflictions Walton has dealt with. She writes that he, too, knows what it is like to not sleep well. Furthermore, she touches on the back problems the 37-year-old still withstands, which led to his retirement as a player.

Walton takes ice baths to this day and meditates to help ease his mind and body. The LA Times article included the following from Luke on the subject matter.

"“One thing I know is if my back goes out, I’m not going to be able to coach because I know what that’s like. You can’t focus on anything. So a lot of my reasoning for starting to take care of my health, taking it more serious, was to take care of my back so I can live a normal life.”"

Walton’s discussion of his own health-related bugs will hopefully encourage Lue. Walton’s vulnerability shows that Lue is not alone. He understands where Lue is coming from and offered him “thoughts and prayers,” per Ganguli.

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Ideally, one can only hope Lue’s time off pays off. Winning is certainly significant. At the same time, one’s physical health cannot be casually tossed aside. Suffice to say, Walton and the rest of the league are in full support of the Cavs’ Lue.