Kevin Love praises LeBron James, personally thinks he's the G.O.A.T.: "He's arguably top one or two greatest players of all time"

Kevin Love praised LeBron James following the Cleveland Cavaliers' win over the visiting LA Lakers on Tuesday. Love called his former teammate one of the two greatest players ever. But the Cavs veteran personally thinks "The King" is the G.O.A.T.

In a postgame interview with Joe Vardon of Cleveland Plain Dealer, Love discussed what it was like playing against James after being teammates for four years.

"He's arguably top one or two greatest players of all time," Love said. "Any time you get an opportunity to play against him, that's always going to be special. I think last year, we got really caught up with him coming home because obviously the crowd is going to be into it. Akron and Cleveland, that's their hometown hero, always will be."

Love was also asked about his position in the on-going G.O.A.T. debate between James and Michael Jordan. He had this to say:

"1A, 1B. I have seen it firsthand playing with him. I personally think he is one, but again, that's up for debate for everybody."

LeBron James and Kevin Love were teammates for four seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2014 to 2018. The two stars, along with Kyrie Irving, were instrumental in bringing the Cavaliers' first championship in 2016. James and Love also went to the NBA Finals four times.

James moved on in 2018 by joining the LA Lakers via free agency, while Love stayed in Cleveland. Love turned from star to veteran leader for a young Cavaliers team looking to make some noise in the playoffs this season.

---

LeBron James suffers defeat in lone homecoming this season

Cedi Osman and LeBron James

As a member of the LA Lakers, LeBron James only gets to face the Cleveland Cavaliers twice. In his lone game in Cleveland, James suffered defeat against his former team. It was a close game until the fourth quarter when the Cavaliers pulled away to get the 116-102 win.

"The King" had 21 points, 17 rebounds and four assists to lead the Lakers. Anthony Davis played just eight minutes before leaving the game due to flu-like symptoms. Dennis Schröder and Russell Westbrook each had 16 points, while Thomas Bryant added 19 points and nine rebounds.

Meanwhile, Donovan Mitchell put on a show with 43 points, six rebounds and five assists. Jarrett Allen had 24 points and 11 rebounds in his first game back from injury, while Darius Garland added 21 points and 11 assists.

James and the Lakers will continue their Eastern road trip on Wednesday up north to face the Toronto Raptors. They will also visit the Philadelphia 76ers and Detroit Pistons before returning home to welcome the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets and Washington Wizards.

​