Cleveland Cavaliers: Playing with LeBron is different, details Kevin Love

Kevin Love went through a ton of battles with LeBron James over the last four years, and he detailed how playing with the King is different and causes sacrifice, but it’s something that will lead to a lot of wins.

In a recent interview with ESPN’s Brian Windhorst (h/t Shane Mickle of Cavs Nation), Cleveland Cavaliers star power forward Kevin Love gave the gist of how it is playing with LeBron James. James is the best basketball player in the world, and he’s a demanding guy. He wanted the best out of Love, and it led to highs and lows in Cleveland.

Love was traded to Cleveland in 2014, in a deal where the Cavs sent the Minnesota Timberwolves Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett (two former No. 1 overall picks) and a first-round pick to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Love hadn’t made the postseason in his six years in Minnesota, but made four straight NBA Finals appearances with James in Cleveland. Playing with LeBron is not easy, given his leadership and ball-dominant style.

Windhorst asked Love this question in regards to the James Effect.

"“Let’s say next summer a star free agent calls you and asks what it’s like to play with LeBron James. What would you say?”"

This was Love’s response.

"“Well, it depends on whether we’re talking about a perimeter player or a post player,” Love said, trying to demur and perhaps trying to inject a plug for Shock Doctor, a mouthpiece he believes saved his teeth last season when he got run over in a game in Miami and the supposed reason for this interview.”"

Shortly after he expounded on that.

"“You have to follow. You have to learn a lot about that,” he said."

From there, Love went on to how to say that when you’re on the same team with James, whether you’re a star or not, he’s driving the ship. That was clearly the case with the Cavaliers.

"“[Playing with LeBron] you’re not the top guy. I just tried to continue to be myself and not fake it. I said how I felt,” Love said. “Whether we disagreed or agreed, my voice was heard.”"

Love is now the key cog on the Cavs, and he’ll be leading players such as Cedi Osman, Collin Sexton, Rodney Hood, Jordan Clarkson and many others. It won’t easy for the Cleveland Cavaliers to make the postseason this year without James, but the experiences with LeBron are going to be huge for Love this year.

He highlighted how the last four years were tough, but playing with James is a privilege star free agents should take advantage of if given the opportunity.

"“You have to be resilient. I had a lot of hard nights. There were dark times,” Love said. “But I always believed keep fighting, I was stubborn about it. And LeBron makes sure you have a chance to win every year. He’s gotten a lot of guys rings. You’re going to win at the highest level. We won and we bonded and we’re going to continue this brotherhood.”"

James is now on a team in the Los Angeles Lakers that is looking to acquire a big-time free agent next summer, so it’ll be interesting to see how that situation plays out.

Love’s experiences are a prime example of how playing with the King is challenging, but worth it. The guy has taught Love how to win and has helped him be a better leader. The Cavs will be grateful for that this year.