CLEVELAND, Ohio -- This off-season has proved somewhat of a paradox for the Cavaliers, especially in regard to their two best players of a season ago.

Northeast Ohio's own LeBron James -- the far-and-away star of the team, the NBA and, perhaps, the sporting world -- bolted west for the glitz, glam, sun and sand of Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, the California kid -- the one born in Santa Monica and who appeared on his way out of Cleveland throughout the past four seasons -- decided Northeast Ohio would be the perfect place to call home.

"I can play anywhere, live anywhere," Love said, after signing his four-year, $120 million contract extension Tuesday, "but I'm glad it's here."

Somehow, the paradox is fitting, as Love personifies Cleveland pretty well.

On the surface, the analogy seems a bit off. How does a Banana Republic model considered one of the best-looking men in sports fit the image of a Rust Belt town not many outside its borders would describe as beautiful?

It starts with Love, the human being. Love describes himself as a "homebody," a man who enjoys the pleasures of his confines, happy to enjoy the comforts of home rather than the sights and sounds of the world around him.

Clevelanders are certainly known to love their home as well, literally wearing the city on their sleeves even as they venture off to far away lands.

While also proud, Cleveland is known at times for its humility, which mirrors Love as well. Sure, he's an All-Star basketball player with a model girlfriend and plenty of money, but anyone who's spent time around Love understands his humility. Soft-spoken, humorous, charming and always deferring praise, Love is a lot like many around Cleveland.

Then, of course, comes his on-court performance and skill.

As General Manager Koby Altman said Tuesday, "Kevin's a truly unique player. He's an elite rebounder that can hit threes at a 40 percent clip ... that's truly incredible."

Altman is correct: The versatility in Love's game is not seen often. He brings the old-school -- the size, grit, touch at the elbow and at the hoop -- and mixes it with the new-school -- an ability to run, space the floor and shoot from beyond the 3-point line.

Sound familiar?

Cleveland has often been described as an up-and-coming city, one that blends old-school charm with a new-school nightlife, food and entertainment scene. Of course, there also comes the appreciation factor -- or lack thereof.

When playing for the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves, as Love lost weight, he gained stardom. He was so revered, James made him a top priority upon his return. Lo and behold, as Love arrived in The Land, the appreciation for him and his game lost steam rather quickly, as he became the Cavs' third scoring option.

Still, however, over four seasons, including three with Kyrie Irving and James, Love averaged 17.25 points and 10 rebounds while being named an All-Star twice.

Those who didn't watch Love on a consistent basis might've found him to be undeserving of his All-Star nods, or even of any talk of him as a "star." Those who did pay attention understood just how important and how good Love could be.

When Love was off his game, especially during the 2017-18 season, so too were the Cavaliers, who relied upon him heavily for offense and rebounding.

Cleveland is certainly underappreciated in many aspects. Those unfamiliar with it will likely fall back on the tired cliches, the ones perpetuated by late-night talk show jokes over the past 40 years. Those who regularly visit or have lived in it appreciate Cleveland for what it actually is -- a town full of wonderful people, food, culture and industry.

In other words, just as Love is a bit of an imperfect, overshadowed star, so too is the city of Cleveland.

Maybe Love will never be featured on an iconic banner adjacent from The Q, nor revered as much as Akron's native son. After showing a desire to stay -- something not many star athletes have ever portrayed -- he certainly can end up as one of the most beloved players to put on a uniform in Cleveland, the place he personifies surprisingly well.