No, this isn't an Onion headline. Yes, the Cavaliers have only played five games (with a 2-3 record). No, we shouldn't really take anything seriously yet.
But, this NBA.com report from Sam Smith is something to at least tuck away:
It's not going to get as much discussion during the season, but one of the biggest issues for the Cavs is that both LeBron James and Kevin Love own opt outs after this season. LeBron James basically cannot afford to go anywhere after his return to Cleveland. But watch out for Love. Indications are he will seriously consider the opt out and has his eyes on a return to Los Angeles, where he attended college and where the Lakers long have had him on their free agent wish list.
We would have to guess the Cavs got some sort of assurance from Love that he would re-sign before giving up so many assets (they couldn't get that in writing because that would be illegal, right)?
It's probably a speculative, throwaway note from Smith, where the only way we'll remember it is if he's right. Still, imagine Love getting unhappy enough with his role in Cleveland to ditch out after a year. If anything, the notion of this will make Cavs fans sweat for a while, just as Wolves fans did for years.
