LeBron James once hurt the feelings of Kevin Love after what he said about Luka Doncic.
James and Love were teammates for the Cleveland Cavaliers, winning the NBA championship together in 2016. The pair haven’t suited up together since 2018, but Love said he has an interest in joining James and the Lakers now that he is leaving the Miami Heat.
Since Love wants to rejoin James in LA, he is clearly over what the NBA’s all-time leading scorer said to Luka Doncic before his first Laker game.
LeBron James hurt Kevin Love’s feelings with Luka Doncic comments
Love was the third star on the championship-winning Cleveland team, which featured James and Kyrie Irving. He was forced to forge a role for himself as he made way for his two superstar teammates.
The five-time All-Star was forced to fit in, and James even posted a tweet which was interpreted to be aimed at Love in 2015. He said, “Stop trying to find a way to FIT‑OUT and just FIT‑IN. Be a part of something special!”
So Love took issue when James said this before Doncic’s first Laker game, “Luka, be your f—-g self. Don’t fit in, fit the f–k out”.
Love responded on Instagram, posting, “Punching the air right now!!! 😢 Just my thoughts 💭 @kingjames #10yearslaterstillahater #LeHurtMyFeelings.”
It was said in jest, but there is most likely truth in it. Love sacrificed personal glory for the good of the team throughout his time with the Cavs. It clearly isn’t enough to get in the way of Love’s desire to reunite with his former teammate in LA, however.
Kevin Love wants to move to LA Lakers or LA Clippers
Rather than expressing interest in a team, Love chose a city. He wants to move to Los Angeles and play for either the Lakers or the Clippers. The move would make sense for the LA native. He grew up nearby and attended UCLA for college basketball.
Both teams have had an active free agency. The Lakers signed DeAndre Ayton and Marcus Smart, and re-signed Luka Doncic in a productive, but drama-filled offseason.
Meanwhile, the Clippers signed Bradley Beal to play alongside their star tandem of James Harden and Kawhi Leonard.
The Lakers and Clippers are both contenders, so signing Love on a minimum deal to provide veteran leadership and perimeter shooting would be a solid move. And one last ride with James before Love retires would make for a storybook ending.