Monday 29 October 2018 11:56, UK
The Cleveland Cavaliers have sacked their coach Tyronn Lue after a dismal start to the NBA season
The Cavs have lost their first six games of the season - the first campaign since LeBron James left for the Lakers.
Lue, 41, had been in charge since January 2016 when he replaced David Blatt in mid-season, and he led Cleveland to the NBA Finals that season, when they came back from 3-1 down to beat the Golden State Warriors - the second straight season a rookie coach had won the title.
Lue led the Cavs to the Finals twice more in the following two seasons but lost out to the Warriors on both occasions.
"My time here in Cleveland was truly special," Lue said.
"I am very grateful for the dedication, sacrifice and support of all the players on our team, the tremendous coaches I've worked with and of course, our incredible fans."
The Cavaliers front office also commented on Lue's departure;
"We thank him for the many ways he has contributed to our success, wish him the best and he will always be remembered for leading a very special Cavs team back against the odds to win the title in 2016," general manager Koby Altman said.
"This is a different team equation, though, and one that we felt needed a different voice and approach that required this change."
Lue is also one of just 14 men who have won the NBA Championship as both player and coach.
Larry Drew has been appointed interim coach. Drew went 8-1 as interim coach last season when Lue was sidelined due to illness.
