LeBron James has sent a touching message to Gregg Popovich amid a health scare.

James is preparing for an NBA Cup game with the Spurs on Friday, but he says the game is not as important as the health of Popovich, who is recovering from a ‘mild stroke’.

Lakers superstar James hit another triple-double against the Grizzlies this week, but he was immediately focusing on Spurs head coach Popovich, showing his clash with a touching message.

“But for me personally, there’s much bigger news out of San Antonio right now and that’s my dear friend coach Pop,” James said after the game. “And I’ll be thinking heavily about him as I travel there tomorrow. The game on Friday.

“And I’m wishing him the best of health. And hopefully, I see him soon. It doesn’t even have to be on the sidelines. Hopefully I’ll just see him soon. That’s the most important for me.”

Popovich is 75 years of age, and he suffered a minor stroke, missing the win over the Timberwolves on November 2. The Spurs confirmed that the stroke took place at the team’s facility, Frost Bank Center, and he is now in a rehab program.

Fighting talk

Popovich is said to have sent a message to Spurs fans through ESPN’s Shams Charania, saying: “When I’m back, I’ll be back. Don’t worry about me.”

Spurs GM Brian Wright has said the coach is ‘doing well’, but he did not want to put any kind of timeline on his return to courtside.

“It is on all of us to play our part, to play our role, to continue to lean on each other, support each other, and be there for one another. And we look forward to the day that we can welcome him back,” Wright said this week.

“But it takes a village, and we’re all committed to that. But most importantly, we’re committed to making sure that he has everything he needs and giving him the time and space to continue to recover. And we’ll look forward to getting him back.”