The Cleveland Cavaliers have their eye on the championship prize, but star forward Kevin Love recognizes that the reward for winning the 2018 NBA Finals could be two-fold.
During an interview with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Love said he’s trying not to focus on the possibility but also acknowledge the potential importance of postseason success on LeBron James’ upcoming free-agent decision.
“It definitely could [affect James]. But only one person knows what he’s thinking and that’s ‘Bron. I think at the end of the day, we would love to have a long run, but that’s going to be up to not only him but all of us. … So I think it definitely could affect it, but you know that’s, at least for me, out of sight, out of mind right now.”
For the first time in LeBron’s second stint with the Cavaliers, the road to the NBA Finals actually looks perilous.
Cleveland isn’t expected to waltz through the playoffs. The Indiana Pacers, who earned a win in three of the four regular-season matchups, will challenge the Cavs in the opening round beginning April 15.
After that, it’s possible Cleveland will face the top-seeded Toronto Raptors in the second round and potentially either the Boston Celtics or Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Each of those clubs knocked off the Cavs at least once during the regular season.
Should the team navigate the East, LeBron’s streak of NBA Finals appearances will reach eight. But if Cleveland falls short, whether early or late, LeBron’s eyes may start wandering to a different location.