The Cleveland Cavaliers could be without Kevin Love for the rest of the playoffs after suffering a shoulder injury against the Boston Celtics and reports say he could be out for the NBA finals even if the Cavs make it that far and that could set up a situation where Love opts out as a free agent this summer and gets targeted by the Los Angeles Lakers and NY Knicks.
According to Howard Beck and other media reports, Love is dealing with a labrum injury in his shoulder after getting tangled up with Kelly Olynyk and he could be out for the rest of the year. The first reports about Love's injury had him missing two weeks and likely the east semifinals against the Bulls or the Bucks, but now it looks like a more serious injury.
Beck at Bleacher Report writes that it's "highly unlikely" that Love will be back and he needs at least a month and up to six weeks to recover. If the injury doesn't get better in that time, Love could nee surgery and Beck added that sources say there is "virtually zero" chance he plays again in the postseason. This has been a very tough development for Love, as he has been playing well alongside LeBron James and it looked like the team was taking its best form with him in the lineup.
In a way it's unfortunate that the injury happened in a "meaningless" game, as the Cavs had no trouble sweeping out the Celtics. Now the championship could be a tough task for James and company, as one of the best players in the league is now off the court. The injury also could affect how Love handles his free agency, as he could consider leaving if the team exits early.
Rumors have been flying all season about what Love could do, as he has an opt out this summer and can hit the market. According to Pro Basketball Talk, if Love does hit the market as a free agent, the Lakers will be the top target to sign him. Love has connections to Los Angeles and the team has been searching for a star to help take over for Kobe Bryant since Dwight Howard left. The team will have a ton of cap space to use and while the Cavs likely will make a big offer if he is on the market, Love could consider Los Angeles.
Some have called the injury to Love by Olynyk a dirty play, but it looks like the two simply got tangled up. Olynyk may have been a bit too physical at that moment, but it doesn't appeal that he purposefully tried to hurt Love. This could be huge for the Cavs, as the Bulls have started to look much better and the Hawks are also lurking in the playoffs.
Love had an up and down season while getting used to playing with LeBron and it appeared that things finally took the turn the team needed heading into the playoffs. The Cavs were the best team in the second half and Love was averaging over 18 points per game in the postseason, including 23 points in Game 3. Now Love could be out for the playoffs and with it could go the Cavs championship chances.
