Former Cleveland Cavaliers star Kevin Love has opened up about what truly set his legendary teammate, LeBron James, apart during their successful four-year partnership. Love, who shared the court with James from 2014 to 2018, provided a rare glimpse into the mental prowess that powered their run to four consecutive NBA Finals and a historic 2016 championship.
The Unmatched Basketball Mind of LeBron James
During a recent appearance on The Old Man and the Three podcast, Love was asked to name the smartest player he ever shared a locker room with. His answer was immediate and unequivocal: LeBron James. Love explained that James treated every moment, from shootaround to live game action, as a critical learning opportunity.
"He could do every team’s scout. He knew every team’s play, he knew every guy’s tendency. He watched endless amounts of basketball… It’s a true gift," Love said. He emphasized that James possesses a "photographic type memory" for the game, a trait Love described as decidedly "not normal." This mental hack, combined with his physical dominance, allowed the 6'9", 260-pound superstar to set an unparalleled tone for preparation and execution.
A Partnership Forged in Championship Success
The synergy between Love and James was instrumental for the Cavaliers. Their collaboration led the franchise to the NBA Finals every year from 2015 to 2018, culminating in the city's first-ever NBA title in 2016. Over his 489 games in Cleveland, Love averaged 15.7 points and 9.2 rebounds, earning two All-Star selections as a key pillar of the team.
Love highlighted that James's awareness extended far beyond his own team's playbook. Opponents have often been stunned when James correctly called out their offensive sets before the play even developed. Love also pointed to James's post-game press conferences, where he could recall long sequences with precise detail, including player positioning and specific game context, showcasing his deep, real-time processing of the sport.
Beyond the Court: A Lasting Bond
While their on-court partnership was highly successful, it was not without its moments of public strain, such as a 2015 tweet from James about team accountability that Love admitted stung at the time. However, the mutual respect and bond have endured long after their championship run. This was evident when James attended Love's wedding in 2022, and they continue to share moments off the hardwood.
Today, both legends have moved on to new chapters. LeBron James, now 41, continues to perform at an elite level for the Los Angeles Lakers. Kevin Love provides veteran leadership and floor-spacing shooting for the Utah Jazz. Despite the distance and different jerseys, Love's perspective on his former teammate's extraordinary intellect remains unchanged. For him, witnessing LeBron James's daily dedication and genius was a masterclass in what separates the great from the truly legendary.
