The Los Angeles Clippers are looking to make it three straight wins on Sunday night as they host the Sacramento Kings at Intuit Dome. They will, however, need to try and do so without head coach Ty Lue. 

News hit right before tip-off that Lue had to leave the arena because of a back problem. It was an unexpected turn of events, but it appears that Lue was in such significant pain that he was unable to coach his team against the Kings. 

This report comes via Clippers insider Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times:

“The Clippers say Coach Tyronn Lue went home because of back pain and that assistant Brian Shaw will be the acting head coach for the games against the Kings,” Turner posted on X. 

No further details have been revealed regarding Lue’s injury and whether or not this will keep him sidelined for just one game or an extended period. The report did indicate the Clippers’ unexpected coaching move, though, with assistant Brian Shaw now being pushed to the forefront amid Lue’s sudden exit. 

LA Clippers head coach Ty Lue

© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The Clippers, who entered Sunday’s contest as the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference with a 34-29 record, are off on Monday, which should give Lue some time to rest. 

However, they have a three-game road trip scheduled starting on Tuesday against the New Orleans Hornets, and for now, it is unclear if Lue will be able to join his team for that upcoming trip.