The Cleveland Cavaliers might be winning games at the right time, but there could be underlying tension with some of the players. Kevin Love has been very vocal about his confusion over his role on the team and LeBron James has called him out on it from time to time. While speaking on the Dan Patrick Show on Monday, Love was asked if he felt James was putting together an MVP season and the forward promptly said no, favoring former UCLA teammate Russell Westbrook instead. James is not over-thinking the issue.
"I don't really think too much of it, really," James said, via ESPN.com. "I don't really get involved in that. I think the voters are going to decide who is the MVP. I think what Russ has been doing, his numbers have been pretty crazy keeping those guys afloat in the West in his play. Steph Curry can make a case, for sure, what he's been doing -- James Harden and myself, as well. So, Kevin has his own opinion of who he believes is the MVP. No one should fault him for that."
No one can fault Love for his prediction of MVP. Westbrook is currently playing the best basketball of anyone in the league, but it certainly does nothing to stop the rumors that Love is looking to head elsewhere come free agency. The forward denied the idea on the radio show saying he was planning on being a Cavalier, but the speculation is certainly there as many teams are hoping Love at least dips one toe into the free agency pool.
There are plenty of teams preparing to recruit Love in free agency should he exit. The New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers would love to give the forward a max contract. Everyone from Love to James is denying the band is breaking up, but comments like the MVP one of the sub-tweet James put out is not helping the case. For now, the Cavaliers are focused on getting the postseason, not winning MVP awards.
I don't feel that I need to campaign for LeBron because his abilities and his performance speak for themselves," head coach David Blatt said. "I have spoken out on the subject out of a true belief that any conversation regarding an MVP candidate can't even begin if he's not in that select group because of his performance, not just because of his name. That's the most important thing."
