Kevin Love Reportedly Said Being Part Of Cleveland Cavaliers Rebuild A "Mindf**k"

via SB Nation

Kevin Love is the last remaining member of the core 3 stars that helped the Cleveland Cavaliers win the 2016 NBA title. While Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant moved on to better pastures, Kevin Love signed an extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

While Kevin Love is known for many things, he has been in the headlines lately for the wrong reasons. During the Cavaliers' game against the Toronto Raptors, Kevin Love messed up when inbounding the ball, which led directly to a wide-open three from the Toronto Raptors. Love didn't attempt to play any defense after his mistake, which left many fans wondering what he was doing. The video of the turnover went viral and made it onto Shaqtin' a Fool. 

For a veteran, being on a losing team isn't easy, and the Cavaliers are clearly entering a rebuild. Love's lack of effort on that play has led many to speculate about Love's willingness to be on a losing franchise. In an article talking about this event, Chris Fedor of cleveland.com has stated that Kevin Love has expressed his frustrations before, and even called being part of the rebuild a "mindf**k".

OK, fine. Love was frustrated. It happens. Basketball is emotional. He’s human. Who isn’t frustrated at this point in the season?

They (Cleveland Cavaliers) are 4-12 since Love came back, entered the night losers of five of the last six and two straight. He hasn’t experienced much winning. It’s been one mental hurdle after the other, only adding to his dissatisfaction. It probably doesn’t help being at the end of a road trip -- and playing out the string on another lottery-bound season that started well and sparked dreams of a Play-In spot.

Following one of the games last season, another time when Love let his frustration show, he told cleveland.com it was a “mindf---” being in this arduous rebuild following four years of chasing titles. Rebuilds aren’t easy. Not everyone can handle them emotionally. Young players take time to mature. Love doesn’t seem happy. Even Bickerstaff, who is clearly on board with the plan, looks worn down.

But Love needs to be better. He wanted this responsibility, inking a $120 million extension. He must recognize his impact. Even if the anger comes from a good place -- wanting the Cavs to play the right way, not tolerating defensive breakdowns or selfish offense -- there are innumerable better ways to get that point across.

While Kevin Love may be frustrated with his situation, the Cleveland Cavaliers as a whole look upon him as a leader, and he needs to set a good example. While some of his annoyance is warranted, it seems that he could have at least tried to rectify his mistake on the aforementioned play. Hopefully, Kevin Love gets back in form, and is able to try and steer the young Cavaliers in the right direction.