Tyronn Lue recently appeared on The Draymond Green Show alongside Baron Davis, where he discussed his experiences coaching LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers to their iconic 2016 NBA championship. Lue and LeBron share a close bond, formed during their historic title run that ended the city of Cleveland’s 52-year sports championship drought.

However, Lue admitted that LeBron’s immense star power often overshadowed his role in the team’s success. Despite James praising him as “one of the best coaches” he’d ever played for, Lue feels that acknowledgment for his coaching prowess came only after he joined the Los Angeles Clippers. Since then, Lue has received recognition for leading the Clippers to the 2021 Western Conference Finals, despite Kawhi Leonard’s injury.

Currently on a five-year, $70 million contract extension with the Clippers, Lue feels the organization values him for who he truly is. Reflecting on his coaching journey, he compared Leonard’s evolution in the NBA to LeBron’s, citing their relentless work ethic as a defining trait they share.

Lighthearted Moments

Lue also shared a humorous anecdote, noting that while LeBron brings excitement and fun to a team, Kawhi Leonard’s rare but sharp humor wins the funny title, proving that Leonard’s quiet demeanor hides a comedic side.

Now at the helm of the Clippers, Lue continues to build his legacy beyond LeBron’s shadow while shaping his team for future success.