Stan Love, the father of Miami Heat forward Kevin Love, has died at age 76.
Kevin Love shared the news of his father’s death in an Instagram post on Sunday. The five-time All-Star indicated that Stan battled a lengthy illness. Kevin said Stan “fought for a long time” and that the last six months were the “hardest stretch.” Love also expressed regret over the differences he had with his father.
“As the memories stream down my face I feel as if I can see it all so clearly now. It’s a f–ed up fact of life that towards the end, your own life or someone else’s, things that once seemed so complicated and confusing now seem transparent,” Love wrote (edited by LBS for profanity).
“Like all of us, my Dad was imperfect. But despite his flaws, and my own, we are a successful story of father and son. A never ending bond, rooted in love, that will forever remain eternal.
“Dad, I’m so proud to be your son. My only hope is that you’re proud of me. It was all I ever wanted. Thank you for everything.”
Like his son, Stan Love was a professional basketball player. The 6-foot-9 forward played in college at Oregon before the Baltimore Bullets drafted him with the ninth overall pick in 1971.
Stan played for the Bullets, Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs across four NBA seasons. He averaged 6.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.
Stan was also the younger brother of “Beach Boys” singer Mike Love.
Kevin has been away from the Heat for personal reasons. He is not expected to play on Monday night as Miami tries to prevent a sweep in Game 4 of their opening-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
