As the Cleveland Cavaliers continue to try and build chemistry in order to make a big run in the playoffs, reported tension could be disrupting that effort. Cleveland has had their highs and lows this season on the court, but they have also suffered some hiccups off the court, mainly with comments between Kevin Love and LeBron James. Both players were acquired in the offseason to help bring a championship to Cleveland, but appear to be struggling co-existing. According to Kendrick Perkins, there are no issues between the teammates.
Both James and Love have been vocal about frustrations. James is not happy that Love is struggling to find his place. Love claims he would vote Russell Westbrook MVP this season over James. There has been some subtweeting and hints at displeasure. So is there trouble in paradise? Not according to Perkins who believes everyone is on the same page entering the postseason.
"What people don't understand is that this is not a place that requires you to be best friends," Perkins said, via CBSSports.com's Ken Berger. "I think sometimes people don't realize that this is work for us. So when you go to work every day, that doesn't mean your co-worker has to be your best friend. This is our job. You don't have to be best friends to come out here and work together. I turn on ESPN and I see, 'No Love for K-Love,' or something like that, and it's kind of silly to me. I haven't seen anything to the point that it's drama. ... I don't think Ray and KG were best buddies in Boston. I was best friends with Rondo. I hung out with KG a little bit, but I wasn't best friends with him."
The Cavaliers want to hope that Perkins is right given both Love and James are on short-term deals. Technically, both players could opt out of their deals this summer and head elsewhere. The chances of that happening are slim, but reports are growing that if someone is leaving, it is Love. ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that the Los Angeles Lakers want Love to head west and Marc Stein of ESPN reported the New York Knicks are hoping to bring the forward to the Big Apple.
Love went on the Dan Patrick Show to make is clear that championship or no championship he "plans to be a Cavalier" next season. Could all this assumed tension between Love and James simply be hearsay? That is very likely, but the Cavaliers would be wise to try and get both players to work better with one another heading into a crucial playoff run and offseason.