The Cavaliers were hard on Kevin Love his first year in Cleveland.

The most glaring example: LeBron James subtweeting Love:

Love, in a Q&A with Jason Lloyd of The Athletic:

I didn’t plan to go here, but the whole fit in/fit out thing from your first year with LeBron. Was he right?

I think on one end it was extremely passive-aggressive and silly. But at the same time, I feel like I did have to find my way and fit in. But it wasn’t an easy process for me. I think right now if that happened — it wouldn’t because I believe who I am now and the growth I’ve had — but I truly believe that you have to understand. That’s why I never make assumptions. We’ve talked before about “The Four Agreements,” right? Never make assumptions, never take anything personally. Well, obviously I took that personally. I wish I could’ve handed them that book and been like, “Listen, you’ve got to understand what it was like to be the main focus, 20 shots a night, be ‘the guy.’” My star dimmed a little bit to have to sacrifice. So at least just acknowledge it. All I wanted was a little bit of love. All I wanted was (a pat on the back, an arm around the shoulder). I never got that. I think I just wanted a little bit of love. Not even notoriety, just an acknowledgment of, “Hey, listen, we know that you’re sacrificing.” That was not there the first year. I think Champ (James Jones) helped me to understand, “Listen, just be yourself and everything else will fall into place.” But to really fully get there, it took me a year and some change.

Who’s them? When you say, “I wish I could’ve handed them that book,” who are you referring to?

Teammates and coaches. I think you can put that together. I would just ask them to consider me. Now looking back, I just feel like it was all a very, very good learning process and an indicator of growth. I look at Bron like a [f—ing] brother. Still. We’re on the group chat with six other guys every other day, every few days.