Imagine if the Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t have the second best record in the Eastern Conference and hadn’t won eight of their last nine games? What would we be hearing about the relationship between LeBron James and Kevin Love then?
According to a report from Frank Isola of the NY Daily News, LeBron and Love are not getting along. Isola notes that Love was viewed as an “aloof player who alienated teammates” when he was with the Minnesota Timberwolves. That seems to have continued in Cleveland, and it may be irritating King James.
But several sources close to the situation in Cleveland claim that James has tried to make it work but that he’s frustrated by Love’s inability, and in some ways unwillingness, to get with the program. Remember, James pushed the Cavs to trade (Andrew) Wiggins to the Timberwolves to acquire Love, who could be one-and-done in Cleveland.
Earlier this week, Love admitted that he and LeBron are not best friends after James posted a photo of his “clique” on social media, which included several teammates but not Love. Then, Love was asked to choose between LeBron and Russell Westbrook for MVP this season, and he gave the nod to Westbrook.
Is the media blowing the perceived rift between Love and LeBron out of proportion? Most likely, but it might not matter. Even if the two are getting along just fine, the media’s obsession with their relationship — in addition to James tweeting stuff like this — could be enough to convince Love to skip town.
We know Love is going to opt out of his current contract after the season. He has denied having any interest in leaving Cleveland, but free agency is still several months away. A lot can change, especially if the Cavs don’t win a championship.
