At one point it seemed like the Lakers and Kevin Love were destined to end up together. Now, Love has opted out of his contract, but it’s unclear what his intentions are moving forward.
RELATED: Top 3 Wing Role Players Lakers Should Target in Free Agency
The Cleveland Cavaliers reached the NBA Finals without Love and would have had a better shot at winning the title with the him healthy and on the floor. Love got his first taste of the playoffs this season, but it was short-lived because of a shoulder injury.
As a competitor, you want to play in the biggest stage, so it was extremely frustrating for Love to watch his teammates struggle against the Golden State Warriors in the Finals. That experience might have convinced Love that LeBron and the Cavs give him the best opportunity to win a world title. According to Sam Amico of Fox Sports, Love has told the Cavs that he wants to be back:
Kevin Love has indicated to Cavs recently he plans to return. Cavs also hope to execute Brendan Haywood contract trade quickly after July 1.
— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) June 28, 2015
The UCLA product loves Los Angeles, but after playing six season in Minnesota with no trips to the postseason, Love got his first taste of postseason success with the Cavs. Every kid who grows up loving basketball dreams of winning an NBA title, so you can’t blame Love for wanting to stay in Cleveland.
Love had trouble adjusting to his new role this past season and it seemed like he was not getting along with LeBron James. However, the Cavs improved down the stretch. Injuries in the postseason derailed their championship dreams, but now Love knows that the Cavs will be back next season chasing a championship.