Kevin Love has been inconsistent all-season long, creating speculation that the All-Star power forward will eventually decide to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers or be traded before his contract runs out.
Love is averaging 17.1 points to go along with 10.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists this season, but is still struggling to fit into his new role in the star-studded Cavaliers squad.
The 26-year-old power forward, who was acquired by the Cavaliers in a blockbuster trade that sent top pick Andrew Wiggins to the Minnesota Timberwolves, could opt out of his $16.7 million deal for next season.
But when asked about his future, Dave McMenamin of ESPN said that Love reiterated that he is a Cleveland Cavalier and is committed to the team despite his reduced production this season mainly because of his reduced role compared to when he was still in Minnesota.
Love is continuously being linked to a possible move to the Los Angeles Lakers having played college basketball at UCLA, but the 26-year-old also insisted that he is not planning to bolt out of Cleveland and move to LA this summer.
Kevin Love was asked if he'd have interest in the Lakers: "I'm a Cleveland Cavalier." Any scenario where the Lakers would be an option: "No"
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 8, 2015
Love's numbers this season are decent, but the Cavaliers are expecting more from him after averaging 26.1 points to go along with 12.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists with the Timberwolves last season.
The former UCLA standout had one of the worst games of his career on Friday after scoring just five points to go along with eight rebounds in their 103-99 loss to the Indiana Pacers.
After the match, Cavaliers superstar LeBron James posted a cryptic message on Twitter on Saturday: "Stop trying to find a way to FIT-OUT and just FIT-IN. Be a part of something special! Just my thoughts."
Fans and NBA analysts were intrigued by James' message with most of them saying that the Twitter post was directed to Love. Earlier in the season, Love said that he will not try to "fit in so much" into their system.
James, who pushed for the trade that sent Love to Cleveland in the offseason, admitted that the Twitter post was for Love, but clarified that he has nothing against his teammate.
The four-time Most Valuable Player then made a conscious effort to involve Love more on offense during their 120-105 win against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, where the seven-year veteran scored a season-high 32 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Cavaliers.
"Whether I'm running the floor and ducking in or he's calling a play for me to get it inside or out, he's one of the best in the league at setting guys up," Love told reporters, referring to how James effort to give him more touches. "So when I'm on the other end of that and it's a crisp pass coming from him, it's going to be a good look."
