‘I love you’ – Emotional Kevin Love shares embrace with former teammate after death of father and ex-Lakers star
Kevin Love shared an emotional embrace with former teammate Tristan Thompson after the death of his dad, Stan Love. Former NBA forward Stan, who played for the Baltimore Bullets and Los Angeles Lakers during the 1970s, passed on Sunday aged 76. Kevin Love announced his father Stan’s death on SundayGetty Son Kevin, who has been away from the Miami Heat for personal reasons, announced the news in an Instagram post. “Dad, you fought for a long time. The hardest stretch being these past 6 months,” he wrote. “The most painful to witness being these last few weeks. And even at the end as you continued to deteriorate — I still saw you as a Giant. My Protector. My first Hero. “The words we continuously heard from you in your last chapter were how blessed you’ve been to have such a loving family. And in return how much you’ve loved your wife and kids. “Your only wish was to be at home surrounded by your family when you took your dying breath. “That breath came. And now it’s time to rest.” Love made the announcement while away from the Heat, but he was in the arena for Monday’s Game 4 in Miami against his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers. Before the game, he was seen embracing ex-teammate and Cavs forward Thompson. Love didn’t suit up for the game, which Cleveland won 138-83, to sweep the first-round playoff series. Post-game, Cavs star Donovan Mitchell also shared his condolences. Love and his former teammate Thompson shared an embrace on the courtX: @BleacherReport Love has been away from the Heat for personal reasons in recent daysX: @BleacherReport Love and Thompson were teammates on the Cavs for six yearsGetty “First of all, I want to give my condolences to Kevin Love, and his family,” Mitchell said, after the Heat were accused of ‘quitting’ in the blowout. “I didn’t get to see him, but my brother, I love you, and I’m keeping you in my prayers.” When announcing his father’s passing on Sunday, Love also described Stan as his ‘greatest teacher’ and noted that he is ‘so proud’ to be his son. “You have undoubtedly been my greatest teacher. A role often served by a father figure,” his Instagram post read. “You taught me admirable qualities like respect and kindness. Humor and wit. Ambition and work ethic. Grit and aggressive will. The insight that failure brings. And that time is our most precious commodity. “Dad, I’m so proud to be your son. Love paid tribute to his late father in an emotional Instagram postGetty Stan played four NBA seasons in the 1970sGetty View Tweet: https://t.co/4FK11QOEjM “My only hope is that you’re proud of me. It was all I ever wanted. “Thank you for everything.” Stan was a 6-foot-9 forward who starred at Morningside High School in Inglewood, California, and at Oregon before he was selected ninth overall by Baltimore in the 1971 NBA draft. He averaged 6.8 points and 4.0 rebounds in 226 games in four seasons with the Bullets and the Lakers. Love also played 12 games for San Antonio in the American Basketball Association.
Kevin Love shared an emotional embrace with former teammate Tristan Thompson after the death of his dad, Stan Love.
Former NBA forward Stan, who played for the Baltimore Bullets and Los Angeles Lakers during the 1970s, passed on Sunday aged 76.
Son Kevin, who has been away from the Miami Heat for personal reasons, announced the news in an Instagram post.
“Dad, you fought for a long time. The hardest stretch being these past 6 months,” he wrote.
“The most painful to witness being these last few weeks. And even at the end as you continued to deteriorate — I still saw you as a Giant. My Protector. My first Hero.
“The words we continuously heard from you in your last chapter were how blessed you’ve been to have such a loving family. And in return how much you’ve loved your wife and kids.
“Your only wish was to be at home surrounded by your family when you took your dying breath.
“That breath came. And now it’s time to rest.”
Love made the announcement while away from the Heat, but he was in the arena for Monday’s Game 4 in Miami against his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Before the game, he was seen embracing ex-teammate and Cavs forward Thompson.
Love didn’t suit up for the game, which Cleveland won 138-83, to sweep the first-round playoff series.
Post-game, Cavs star Donovan Mitchell also shared his condolences.
“First of all, I want to give my condolences to Kevin Love, and his family,” Mitchell said, after the Heat were accused of ‘quitting’ in the blowout.
“I didn’t get to see him, but my brother, I love you, and I’m keeping you in my prayers.”
When announcing his father’s passing on Sunday, Love also described Stan as his ‘greatest teacher’ and noted that he is ‘so proud’ to be his son.
“You have undoubtedly been my greatest teacher. A role often served by a father figure,” his Instagram post read.
“You taught me admirable qualities like respect and kindness. Humor and wit. Ambition and work ethic. Grit and aggressive will. The insight that failure brings. And that time is our most precious commodity.
“Dad, I’m so proud to be your son.
“My only hope is that you’re proud of me. It was all I ever wanted.
“Thank you for everything.”
Stan was a 6-foot-9 forward who starred at Morningside High School in Inglewood, California, and at Oregon before he was selected ninth overall by Baltimore in the 1971 NBA draft.
He averaged 6.8 points and 4.0 rebounds in 226 games in four seasons with the Bullets and the Lakers.
Love also played 12 games for San Antonio in the American Basketball Association.
