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President Calls Cavs Coach After Title; Tell J.R. Smith To Keep Shirt On [VIDEO]

TOM WITHERS, AP Sports Writer

CLEVELAND (AP) — Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue got a unique championship ring — from the White House.

President Obama called Lue to congratulate Lue on winning the NBA title and invited him and the Cavs to visit him in Washington before he leaves office. Lue spent nearly four minutes talking hoops with Obama, who said he had already emailed superstar LeBron James to offer his wishes.

Obama told Lue he brought cohesion, steadiness and focus to the team.

Lue took over midseason after the Cavs fired David Blatt despite having a 30-11 record.

Lue modestly accepted Obama's praise and credited Cavs ownership and general manager David Griffin for assembling Cleveland's roster.

Lue was at ease while sitting at a desk at the team's training facility and chatting with Obama. The president is a huge basketball fan and said he gave up playing two years ago after seeing so many friends pop an Achilles tendon.

(Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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