LeBron Reunion With Championship Teammate Pitched For Cavs

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CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 09: Kevin Love #0, LeBron James #23 and Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers react after a play in the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors in Game 4 of the 2017 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 9, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been rumored to want LeBron James back next season for a potential retirement run, but Kevin Love may also make sense for the franchise. Cleveland has high hopes of winning another NBA Championship soon with top talents like Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and James Harden leading the current roster.

However, the potential of James returning next year led to Sporting News’ Chad Porto pitching Love’s return as a locker room leader:

“It would be a wild scene, seeing a starting five of James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, (LeBron) James, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, with a bench that includes Jaylon Tyson, Sam Merrill, Dennis Schroeder, Nae’Qwan Tomlin, Keon Ellis, and Love.

Obviously, a player at the stage of the game that Love is at isn’t the guy who would put the Cavs over the top, but he’s showing he’s still good enough to warrant minutes on a good team.”

The idea would see Love playing a secondary role as the eleventh or twelfth man on the roster for depth. Love would only play if injuries occurred and would provide a familiar face that Cleveland fans love for his contributions to the 2016 NBA Championship.

How Kevin Love Can Help Cavaliers

Many fans and pundits questioned Love still being in the league entering this season due to his diminished skills and inability to keep up with younger players. However, Love has been a positive addition to the Utah Jazz as one of the mentors on the extremely young roster.

Early season success saw Utah overachieving, with Love playing reserve minutes and contributing to a limited role. Love can still hit open shots, but his real help comes from being part of the locker room. The NBA has phased out veterans compared to past eras, despite it benefiting teams for many years.

Championship teams using the last roster spots on a veteran used to be quite common. Love would likely accept a minimum contract for one final season and be extremely cheap to get a chance to end his career on his own terms.

“Fan Service” Moments Can Help Team

The Cavaliers’ fan base would be happiest about getting both James and Love back on the roster. LeBron would certainly improve the team at small forward, but all four other starting spots in the lineup are set if everyone returns. Cleveland would just opt to add another bench piece or two, depending on who stays.

Love makes the most sense to reward fans by bringing back two of the three most important players from the 2016 NBA Championship run. Kyrie Irving would complete the trio, but he’s clearly too unrealistic to consider at this stage.

Cleveland would have the best of both worlds with both the past and present stars contending for the second title in franchise history. More teams should make moves to appease fans, and there is enough roster depth to add a harmless veteran. LeBron’s retirement season would also feel special with one of his greatest teammates back on the bench with him.

Joey Haverford Joey Haverford is a seasoned sports content writer with over 12 years of experience. He has covered the NBA, WNBA, MLB, NFL, and professional wrestling in the sports industry. More about Joey Haverford