Just before the game of a team that had too much on its plate, as was the case with the Los Angeles Clippers, head coach Ty Lue was sent home because of back pain. With Lue’s health and possible longer absence in question, assistant coach Brian Shaw took over the team and raised concerns about Lue’s health. But this latest setback has placed the spotlight back on the toll of coaching in the NBA, given his history of medical challenges.

Though back pain might not initially appear to be a big deal, Lue’s is another chapter in an ongoing struggle with health issues that has dogged the notoriously thin former guard. In the years before that while coaching the Cleveland Cavaliers, Ty Lue took a leave of absence because of persistent chest pains, sleep deprivation and even coughing up blood. A diagnosis was never given by doctors, but later Lue revealed anxiety to be a big part of his condition. Stepping away from the game at that time showed that a lot of stress goes with leading an NBA franchise.

Fast forward to 2025, and Lue has been forced out of a game of utmost importance for the Clippers due to back pain. The team has yet to release a detailed update, but his absence has sparked speculation of whether this is just a temporary setback or something that could linger all season long. The organization will likely take measures to see that he receives treatment before returning to the playing field considering his previous health struggles.

Clippers’ Stability At Risk Without Lue?

Lue’s importance to the Clippers cannot be overstated. Since taking over in 2020, he has guided the team through highs and lows, including their first-ever Western Conference Finals appearance in 2021. He has also navigated injury-plagued seasons while keeping the team competitive, proving himself to be one of the league’s top tactical minds.

Just this season, the Clippers made history under Lue’s leadership with a franchise-record 59-point victory over the Brooklyn Nets on January 16. The team rewarded his coaching brilliance with a five-year, $70 million contract extension in May 2024, solidifying their belief in him as the key to their championship aspirations. However, none of that matters if Lue’s health prevents him from being on the sidelines when the team needs him most.

All eyes will be on Lue’s status going forward, as the Clippers have not yet announced whether he will travel with the team on their upcoming East Coast road trip. If necessary, the team will continue to be led by assistant coach Brian Shaw, who previously served as head coach of the Denver Nuggets.

The Clippers are in a good position in the West at the moment, but losing their head coach for even a short period could disrupt their flow. Lue has history of pushing through health issues on his own, and so the team’s focus should be on his long-term well being as opposed to short term.

However, if there’s one thing Lue has proven his whole career, it’s — there is no doubt in my mind he is a resilient person. He has always been able to adapt, whether as the Cavaliers relied on an improbable 3-1 comeback during the 2016 NBA Finals or by keeping an injury-plagued Clippers squad in the playoff hunt. His hope is he can do the same with his health, he’ll return stronger and able to lead the Clippers on their quest for a championship.