Kevin Love put together one of his best performances as a Cav on Wednesday, pouring in 22 points and 10 rebounds on 10-of-13 shooting in another statement win by surging Cleveland.
But even that encouraging performance couldn't quiet the continued rumors of a rift with LeBron James.
Just days after Love admitted that he and James aren't best friends and that he would pick ex-UCLA teammate Russell Westbrook over James for MVP, the New York Daily News' Frank Isola reported on James' less-than-sunny outlook on Cleveland's starting power forward.
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 Wiggins to the Timberwolves to acquire Love, who could be one-and-done in Cleveland.
The report echos a well-publicized tweet James sent last month, which many considered to be a cryptic jab at Love.
Stop trying to find a way to FIT-OUT and just FIT-IN. Be apart of something special! Just my thoughts
— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 8, 2015
Love is viewed by some to be a detached player with a history of alienating teammates in Minnesota, Isola reports, behavior he's apparently carried over to Cleveland.
The Cavs have been the best team in the league over the last two-and-a-half months, reestablishing themselves as a championship contender with wins in 28 of their past 34 games.
Still, there are questions surrounding Love's current role and future place in Cleveland, with the three-time All-Star and potentially pending free agent finding himself on the bench in the fourth quarter of a number of close games.
Love can hit unrestricted free agency this summer if he opts out of his player option for next season, which is worth more than $16.7 million.
There have been moments of seemingly genuine affection between James and Love this season, but between their shady tweets, photos and radio comments, the latest report warrants attention.
