Cavs All-Star Kevin Love recently joined Sekou Smith on The Hang Time Podcast for a wide-ranging interview. Amid their discussion, Love was asked if his focus has changed now that he’s the leader of the team.
LeBron James has left town, leaving Love as the front man in Cleveland’s rotation. To some players, this might seem like a daunting task, but Love says he’s prepared for this new opportunity.
Q. Did your focus shift at all, knowing that you may have to come back and be the bell cow?
A. Absolutely. And I think it’s a constant evolution. Speaking of sacrifice and my time in Minnesota, this has all prepared me for this time now. I have to step into more of a leadership role.
I had to first learn how to follow. I learned a lot of leadership tendencies and qualities from a guy like LeBron — saw what he did on a daily basis and how he interacted with the coaching staff and with his teammates.
I think, in a lot of ways, it kind of transcends any walk of life. You can always learn from the best. So I’m gonna take some of what he did, as well as transfer in some of my leadership qualities and see where that goes.
Following Tuesday morning’s shootaround in Boston, Love spoke to reporters with regards to what this season will be like for his team without the services of James. By most accounts, the odds are stacked against the Cavs, but he says he and his teammates are prepared for the challenge.
“You know, I feel good,” Love told Yahoo Sports after Tuesday’s practice in Beantown. “It’s definitely going to be a challenge. It’s definitely going to be a growth year for us. We feel like if we’re in shape, if we play physical, if we shoot the ball well, we’re going to give ourselves a chance.”
The Cavs will be back in action on Monday night, when they’ll welcome the Indiana Pacers to Quicken Loans Arena. Love, however, will be held out of the game due to a sore left foot. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. ET with Fox Sports Ohio having live broadcast coverage.
