Kevin Love is mourning the loss of his father, Stan Love, who passed away Sunday (April 27) at the age of 76. Ahead of a playoff game, Love shared an emotional embrace with former teammate Tristan Thompson in a heartfelt courtside moment.
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Kevin Love Grieves Father, Embraces Tristan Thompson
The former Cleveland Cavaliers’ teammates shared the viral embrace on Monday night, one day into Kevin’s grief. Love and Thompson reunited courtside before Game 4 between the Heat and Cavaliers. Love, now a forward for the Miami Heat, wore a black hoodie as he embraced Thompson, who was suited up for the Cavs. The emotional exchange included two hugs, with Love visibly holding back tears as Tristan appears to give words of encouragement.
After the Cavs reposted images of the viral embrace, Tristan Thompson added a message in the comment section. He wrote, “This is bigger than a basketball that’s my brother for life. I’ll run thru a fire for him no question. Blood doesn’t always make you family. We love you @kevinlove. Rest in paradise Pops 🙏🏾.”
Love announced Stan’s death via Instagram on Sunday night, sharing a touching tribute along with a photo of them holding hands. In the caption, he reflected on Stan’s final moments, saying:
“Your only wish was to be at home surrounded by your family when you took your dying breath. That breath came. And now it’s time to rest.”
Stan Love, a former NBA player himself and the brother of Beach Boys singer Mike Love, played from 1971 to 1975 with the Bullets and Lakers. He was selected ninth overall in the 1971 draft and averaged 6.2 points and 3.9 rebounds during his career.
Social Media Reacts With Heartfelt Messages
Following the heartbreaking news, social media users poured out their condolences and shared emotional tributes. In a video posted by Bleacher Report, many expressed sympathy in the Instagram comment section.
Instagram user @thehennylord said, “…championship Cavs really were brothers from different mothers ❤️”
And, Instagram user @teamswish added, “I love you brother!!❤️”
One Instagram user @bhatta__bing wrote, “Damn man. You know he needed that hug. Sending love to him and his family.”
While Instagram user @mrrlittle commented, “Incredible moment. Wow. Prayers up for Kevin Love 🙏🏾🙏🏾.”
And, Instagram user @thehapablonde wrote, “He really needed that, and Tristan understands what he’s going through. A real brotherhood right there.”
Finally, Instagram user @j._.stacey added, “Proof that sports creates a bond as deep as brotherhood.”
Tristan Thompson Mourned Loss Of Mom Two Years Ago
Two years ago, Andrea Thompson, the mother of NBA player Tristan Thompson, tragically passed away. As previously reported by The Shade Room, she suffered a heart attack while at home in Toronto. Though she was rushed to a nearby hospital where medical staff tried to resuscitate her, she sadly did not survive.
In the aftermath of her sudden passing, Tristan left Los Angeles and flew to Toronto on a private jet, accompanied by Khloé Kardashian, the mother of two of his children. At the time, sources shared that Khloé had been very close to Andrea and wanted to support Tristan during one of the most challenging moments of his life.
