It seems that a team looking to acquire LeBron James may have to keep a roster spot open for another player. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, 6-foot-10 forward Kevin Love could be James’ plus one in free agency. Love is an end-of-the-bench veteran who may not have much to contribute on the court but would be a solid locker room presence, similar to former Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Kevin Love is considered as a plus 1 to any team that acquires LeBron James,” Fischer said on Bleacher Report’s stream on Saturday.
Love and James played on the Cavaliers from 2015 to 2018. Love was a key contributor in the frontcourt as the third option. His only championship win came in 2016, when James spearheaded Cleveland’s historic 3-1 comeback against the Golden State Warriors.
The duo has remained close over the years and recently took a trip together with other players from the Cavaliers’ 2016 championship team. James would benefit from having another veteran who can not only keep him, but also other players, accountable.
Kevin Love could also be eyeing reunions if he tags long wth LeBron James
LeBron James could reunite with Miami or Cleveland, two frequently mentioned landing spots. If Kevin Love tags along, it would be a reunion for him, too. Love honed his role as a locker room leader with the Cavaliers and Heat between 2022 and 2025.
Both teams could use a player like him, regardless of whether they land James. The Cavaliers have a promising core of James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, who may need some guidance from a player like Love, especially after their playoff shortcomings.
Meanwhile, the Heat have acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo to play alongside All-Star Bam Adebayo. The franchise could need another “OG” like Udonis Haslem, and Love could provide that.
For now, it seems Kevin Love will likely join a team that lands LeBron James. According to ESPN’s Marc J. Spears’ Jun. 17 report, when rumors suggested that James was likely returning to the Lakers, Love was also linked to Los Angeles.
“I’m hearing that [LeBron’s] likely coming back [to the Lakers]. … Kevin Love could likely be joining the Lakers too,” Spears said on ESPN’s NBA Today show.
The reporting suggests that it could be James’ personal preference to have Love alongside him on his new team. It remains to be seen how the deal plays out, as both players are unsigned and there have been no reports strongly linking them to a specific team.
Read more:
- LeBron James’ Free Agency Could Be Holding Up Lakers’ Jonathan Kuminga Move: Report
- Hawks Reportedly Willing to Accept Lakers’ Trade Proposal for Jonathan Kuminga Involving $12.4M Forward
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