Kevin Love recently revealed how a cryptic tweet from NBA superstar LeBron James deeply affected him. The tweet, posted in February 2015, read: “Stop trying to find a way to FIT-OUT and just FIT-IN. Be a part of something special! Just my thoughts.” While James never directly mentioned Love, the timing and context led many to believe it was a subtle jab at Love’s efforts to integrate with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Love joined the Cavaliers in 2015, forming a trio with James and Kyrie Irving. With the team focused on winning a championship, Love, a five-time All-Star, was expected to adjust his game to better complement James and Irving. The tweet surfaced during a period when Love was making significant adjustments to his playing style and sacrificing aspects of his game for the team’s success.

In a recent interview on the “Pardon My Take” podcast, Love shared how the tweet affected him. Upon hearing the tweet read aloud, Love laughed but candidly admitted, “That hurt my feelings.” He reflected on the time, noting that he felt especially targeted, given the tweet’s apparent focus on his need to “fit in” with the team’s dynamic. Love humorously suggested that the tweet was directed primarily at him, saying, “It’s like 80 percent Kevin Love, eight percent Dion Waiters, three percent Kyrie Irving.”

Looking back, Love acknowledged that he took the tweet to heart and struggled with adjusting to his role on the Cavaliers. He expressed a desire for recognition of his sacrifices, stating, “All I wanted from those guys was the recognition like ‘that guy is sacrificing himself a lot.’” Love’s comments highlight the personal and professional challenges he faced while trying to align his contributions with the team’s goals.

The tweet sparked a range of reactions from fans and commentators. Some criticized James for being a poor teammate and using passive-aggressive tactics, while others defended his leadership and intent to motivate Love.

Despite the initial hurt, Love and James have since reconciled. Reflecting on their relationship, Love suggested that the tweet was an attempt by James to motivate him early in their season together. He stated, “Since then, Bron’s a brother,” indicating that their bond has strengthened over time. Love also mentioned that he chose not to address the tweet directly with James, preferring instead to focus on his role and contributions to the team.

The incident, while challenging, has become a significant part of Love’s growth as a player and his relationship with James. Both have moved past the event, with Love acknowledging the difficulties and lessons learned from their shared experiences.