Draymond GreenForward, Golden State Warriors

“LeBron’s coach” became one of NBA’s BEST head coaches #nba #basketball

1 Jan 2025 · 1 min

Watch on YouTube

0:58

In this interview excerpt, Tyronn “T‑Lou” Lue reflects on being widely labeled as “LeBron’s coach” and how that perception both helped and constrained his career. He explains that he doesn’t pay much attention to external noise or social media, but acknowledges LeBron James’ pivotal role in his development—paying him, praising his coaching, and providing early opportunities. Lue recounts his transition from coaching LeBron on the Lakers to leading the Clippers, highlighting the 2024 conference‑final run (aided by Kawhi Leonard’s injury) as the moment he earned respect independent of LeBron’s shadow. He emphasizes that while LeBron’s mentorship was essential, he hopes future narratives will recognize his own contributions, even imagining LeBron crediting Lue for helping him succeed in Cleveland.

Chapters

But you said Bron got a lot of guys paid. He got me paid. You then started to be known as one of the best coaches in the league, period. How was it for you to kind of break that tag of, yo, he's LeBron's coach? The outside noise really didn't bother me 'cause I don't have social media and I don't really get into all that. He really helped me. But when people say that, you know, Bron's been in the league, what, 21 years? He had 4 championships. I mean, they act like he won 21 championships. You know what I'm saying? Like, he hasn't won every year. And it's sometimes it takes, you know, a special person or a special situation to get to that point. Well, I said, "Bron deserves all the credit." But what fulfilled me was when he came to me and said that, you know, I was a great coach and one of the best coaches he's ever played for. You know, he went to the Lakers, then I had a chance, I go to the Clippers, and we go to the conference finals when Kawhi gets hurt. I think that's when I finally got my respect and I was able to get out from under LeBron's umbrella. But it shouldn't be like that. Like, without him, like I said, I wouldn't be who I am today. He's made me better at who I am. And so hopefully one day he can say, "You know what? T-Lou was one of the guys that got me over the top when I got back to Cleveland."