In a deeply emotional Instagram post on Sunday, Miami Heat forward Kevin Love shared the heartbreaking news of his father’s passing. Stan Love, a former NBA player, passed away at the age of 76 after battling a prolonged illness. Kevin’s tribute to his father revealed the pain of losing someone so significant, especially after such a long and difficult health struggle.
“Dad, you fought for a long time. The hardest stretch being these past six months,” Kevin wrote. Despite witnessing his father’s decline, Kevin continued to see him as a giant — a protector and his first hero. The final months were an emotional rollercoaster for the Love family, and Kevin’s tribute highlighted just how much his father meant to him.
Stan’s wish was to be at home, surrounded by family, during his final days. Kevin reflected on how those moments shaped his views on life, love, and forgiveness. “You have undoubtedly been my greatest teacher,” Kevin said. Despite the challenges they faced, including their past struggles, Kevin spoke of their bond as an enduring story of father-son love that will never fade.
Stan Love, who also had connections to the music world as the brother of Beach Boys singer Mike Love, had a notable career in basketball. After an impressive college career at Oregon and Morningside High School in Inglewood, California, he was drafted by the Baltimore Bullets in 1971. Over his four-season NBA career, he played for the Bullets and the Los Angeles Lakers, with a brief stint in the ABA with the San Antonio Spurs. Stan averaged 6.8 points and 4.0 rebounds across 226 games in the NBA.
Following Kevin’s announcement, an outpouring of support came from across the NBA community. Isaiah Thomas, who played with Kevin during their time with the Cleveland Cavaliers, shared a touching memory. “I remember every time I stayed the weekend at your home, your pops always made me feel welcomed and taken care of. Stay strong and prayers to you and the family,” Thomas wrote.
Other NBA stars such as CJ McCollum, Steve Nash, and DeMarcus Cousins also expressed their condolences through comments and heart emojis. Kevin’s tribute resonated not only because of his father’s legacy but because of how Kevin openly shared the complicated, yet beautiful, nature of their relationship. Through reconciliation, Kevin found peace and healing in his father’s final lesson.
Kevin closed his tribute with a heartfelt statement: “Dad, I’m so proud to be your son. My only hope is that you’re proud of me. It was all I ever wanted. Thank you for everything. I love you.”
