Kevin Love is mourning the lack of his father, Stan Love, who passed away Sunday (April 27) on the age of 76. Ahead of a playoff game, Love shared an emotional embrace with former teammate Tristan Thompson in a heartfelt courtside moment.
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Kevin Love Grieves Father, Embraces Tristan Thompson
The previous Cleveland Cavaliers’ teammates shared the viral embrace on Monday night, someday into Kevin’s grief. Love and Thompson reunited courtside before Game 4 between the Heat and Cavaliers. Love, now a forward for the Miami Heat, wore a black hoodie as he embraced Thompson, who was suited up for the Cavs. The emotional exchange included two hugs, with Love visibly holding back tears as Tristan appears to offer words of encouragement.
After the Cavs reposted images of the viral embrace, Tristan Thompson added a message within the comment section. He wrote, “This is larger than a basketball that’s my brother for all times. I’ll run thru a hearth for him absolute confidence. Blood doesn’t all the time make you family. We love you @kevinlove. Rest in paradise Pops 🙏🏾.”
Love announced Stan’s death via Instagram on Sunday night, sharing a touching tribute together with a photograph of them holding hands. Within the caption, he reflected on Stan’s final moments, saying:
“Your only wish was to be at home surrounded by your loved ones if you took your dying breath. That breath got here. And now it’s time to rest.”
Stan Love, a former NBA player himself and the brother of Beach Boys singer Mike Love, played from 1971 to 1975 with the Bullets and Lakers. He was chosen ninth overall within the 1971 draft and averaged 6.2 points and three.9 rebounds during his profession.
Social Media Reacts With Heartfelt Messages
Following the heartbreaking news, social media users poured out their condolences and shared emotional tributes. In a video posted by Bleacher Report, many expressed sympathy within the Instagram comment section.
Instagram user @thehennylord said, “…championship Cavs really were brothers from different moms ❤️”
And, Instagram user @teamswish added, “I really like you brother!!❤️”
One Instagram user @bhatta__bing wrote, “Rattling man. You realize he needed that hug. Sending like to him and his family.”
While Instagram user @mrrlittle commented, “Incredible moment. Wow. Prayers up for Kevin Love 🙏🏾🙏🏾.”
And, Instagram user @thehapablonde wrote, “He really needed that, and Tristan understands what he’s going through. An actual brotherhood right there.”
Finally, Instagram user @j._.stacey added, “Proof that sports creates a bond as deep as brotherhood.”
Tristan Thompson Mourned Loss Of Mom Two Years Ago
Within the aftermath of her sudden passing, Tristan left Los Angeles and flew to Toronto on a non-public jet, accompanied by Khloé Kardashian, the mother of two of his children. On the time, sources shared that Khloé had been very near Andrea and desired to support Tristan during one of the difficult moments of his life.
RELATED: Khloé Kardashian Breaks Silence & Shares Heartfelt Tribute To Tristan Thompson’s Late Mother Andrea
What Do You Think Roomies?
