Image Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

WATCH: Kevin Love Breaks Down In Tears As Former Teammate Tristan Thompson Embraces Him Following His Father’s Death

Kevin Love's father, Stan Love, played for the Baltimore Bullets and the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1970s.

Image Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson shared an emotional moment with his former teammate Kevin Love ahead of Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs 2025 Round 1. Thompson consoled Love, who lost his father and former NBA forward Stan Love a couple of days ago. Stan Love played for the Baltimore Bullets and the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1970s.

Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson shared a moment pre-game after Love's dad, Stan, passed away yesterday 🙏❤️ pic.twitter.com/4FK11QOEjM
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 29, 2025

Love announced the news when he was away from the team via Instagram. As he was back on court for Game 4, Thompson ensured to be there for his friend. Notably, Thompson and Love were teammates in the Cavs from 2014-2020, and won a championship together in 2016. Thompson first left Cleveland to join the Boston Celtics in 2020 while Love stayed. However, Cleveland traded him to the Heat in 2023, while the former returned to the franchise in the 2023-24 season.

Love last played for Heat on March 21 and left after the game due to a personal reason. While he returned ahead of their play-in clash against the Chicago Bulls, he didn’t play in that game and once again went on a leave after Heat’s win.

As for Monday’s game, Love didn’t suit up and the Cavs ended up completing a series sweep with a 138-83 win.

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Donovan Mitchell Shares Condolences With Kevin Love and Family after Game 4 Win

Donovan Mitchell, who played alongside Kevin Love in his first half-season in Cleveland, shared his condolences with the 36-year-old. During his post-game interview with TNT, the Cavs guard said, “First of all, I want to give my condolences to Kevin Love and his family. That’s my dog. Been a part of a lot of success here in Cleveland. Big part of here.”

He added, “I saw he was here. I didn’t get to see him. My brother, I love you. Just keeping you in my prayers.”

First thing Donovan did is give his condolences to Kevin Love and his family

Cleveland always has your back Kev ❤️ pic.twitter.com/SeQaU6leHg
— SleeperCavs (@SleeperCleCavs) April 29, 2025

Apart from them, the Miami Heat also shared condolences by sharing an official statement, asking franchise and basketball fans to keep the Love family in their prayers. Notably, Stan Love played for Morningside High School in Inglewood and Oregon before being drafted by the Baltimore Bullets in the 1971 NBA Draft. In 226 games he played for the Bullets and the LA Lakers, he averaged 6.8 points and 4.4 rebounds.

Also Read: “There’s going to be a lot of changes” – Bam Adebayo Sheds Light on Miami’s Embarrassing Exit from Playoffs, Hints Changes in Upcoming Offseason

Donovan Mitchell

Kevin Love

Tristan Thompson

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.