Lue says friends shot in Las Vegas tragedy

For Cleveland head coach Tyronn Lue, the shootings in Las Vegas became personal.

Lue said he knows three people who were shot Sunday night when a gunman armed with high-powered assault rifles smashed open two hotel windows and opened fire on concert-goers, killing 58 and wounding more than 500 in the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history.

Lue, who has lived in Las Vegas over the past nine summers, said he knew about 15 people who were at the show.

“Just a horrible thing to have to go through, especially when I lived there for nine years and knowing all the people I know out there that work at the Mandalay Bay and Aria,” Lue said Wednesday night before the Cavaliers lost to Atlanta in their first exhibition game. “I feel sorry for all the loved ones of each one that lost someone or been badly hurt. It’s just not a good thing. I’ve been touched by a few people who’d gotten injured, who’d gotten shot. Just a tough position to be in.”

In his third season as Cleveland’s head coach, Lue wouldn’t comment on changing gun laws, but would be in favor of anything to prevent bloodshed.

“Whatever we can do to try to eliminate these types of situations, I’m all for it,” he said. “I’m not really a political guy who says what you should do. Whatever we can do to stop these types of violent acts, I’m all for it.”

G-League changes: The NBA Gatorade League will use four referees for preseason and regular-season games through November, revise the coach’s challenge to one per game, and expand its playoffs from eight to 12 teams in the 26-team league.

The 50-game regular season tips off Nov. 3. The Santa Cruz Warriors — Golden State’s affiliate — will have their home opener Nov. 4.

Exhibition highlights: Dwyane Wade and Derrick Rose made their debuts for Cleveland, which got a great first impression from Kevin Love in the center spot: 12 points, five rebounds and three assists. Wade and Rose each scored seven points as the Cavs lost 109-93 to visiting Atlanta. LeBron James sat out while recovering from a sprained left ankle . ... Philadelphia started the past two No. 1 overall picks together in its 111-89 home loss to Memphis. Ben Simmons, who missed all of last season recovering from a broken foot, had six points, nine assists and seven rebounds. He shot 2-for-8. Markelle Fultz was worse at 2-for-13, finishing with four points in his first game.