LeBron James took a picture with six teammates, posted it on Instagram with a caption noting it was his "clique," and suddenly it became a story.
Everything LeBron does is news in some circles, but this picture became particularly scrutinized because of a teammate who wasn't in the picture (and therefore construed to not be part of his inner circle): Kevin Love.
This led to Love being asked about it during an appearance with ESPN's Mike and Mike program Monday. Love gave an honest answer: "We're not best friends, we're not hanging out every day, but we see each other every day, whether at the practice facility, whether on the road or going to game. … But as I've said all along, as long as it's for the greater good, that's fine, and I'm sure he's going to have me in the next picture, we'll see."
On one hand, this story is no big deal. And the fact that Love and James are not "best friends" is even less of a big deal. Teammates, just like any co-workers (not, um, pointing to anyone in particular here) have coexisted for decades without liking each other.
As long as it doesn't spill over into the professional relationship, whether players like each other off the field/court/ice should have little bearing on their performance.
On the other hand, though, this is a very big deal. In modern sports — and in the NBA in particular — relationships are currency. Free agents are lured to cities and lifestyles, but just as often now they are drawn to a chance to win and to cultures that allow them to thrive.
There's every indication that Le-Bron hand-picked Love to be part of a team he thought could win a championship, convincing Cleveland to part with Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett to get him. LeBron excluding Love from the picture, along with Love's words, could mean that not only aren't they friends but that their working relationship is strained.
That's important because of what it took Cleveland to get Love, combined with the fact that he is a free agent after this season. Love has said he intends to re-sign with the Cavaliers. He's also dealt with a balky back this year, sat out two games to rest recently and has averaged just 10 points in three games since his return.
