Bobcats Coach Steve Clifford, former Lakers assistant, is hospitalized

Charlotte Bobcats Coach Steve Clifford, a former Lakers assistant, was hospitalized on Thursday night, according to a statement from the Bobcats’ president of basketball operations, Rod Higgins.

Clifford “went to the hospital last night after not feeling well,” Higgins said. Details of his condition weren’t clear.

Clifford was hired by then-Lakers coach Mike Brown last off-season and he remained as an assistant to Coach Mike D’Antoni when Brown was let go after the team’s 1-4 start.

The Bobcats hired Clifford as their head coach this summer.

“As a precaution, he was held overnight and is undergoing additional tests this morning,” Higgins’ statement said.

Charlotte is currently 3-2.

[Updated at 2 p.m.: Higgins and the Bobcats released the following update on Clifford’s status:

“While at dinner last night, Bobcats Head Coach Steve Clifford suffered chest pains. He went to the hospital and was later admitted. After testing this morning, doctors concluded that a procedure was necessary to place two stents in his heart. He is resting comfortably and is expected to re-join the team soon. Associate Head Coach Patrick Ewing will serve as the acting head coach for tonight’s game vs. New York.”]

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Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.