Cavs’ Kevin Love leaves win vs. Lakers with shoulder injury

Cavaliers forward Kevin Love left Wednesday’s game with a left shoulder injury and did not return. He said after the game that it was “just a stinger.”

Cavaliers forward Kevin Love left Wednesday’s game against the Lakers with a left shoulder injury and did not return.

Love was injured while posting up Kobe Bryant just before halftime and headed straight for the locker room for treatment, his shoulder appearing to dangle. He injured the same shoulder during last season’s playoffs, when it was dislocated on a loose-ball play involving Kelly Olynyk during the first round. The injury caused Love to miss the rest of the postseason.

The Cavs went on to win 120–111 in Bryant’s final game in Cleveland. After the game, Love said it was “just a stinger,” and told reporters he didn’t think he would have to miss any games. Head coach Tyronn Lue said he thought love would be fine, and that the injury was a contusion. With the All-Star break on tap, the Cavaliers have an entire week off before hosting the Bulls Feb. 18.

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The 27-year-old Love is a three-time All-Star and entered the night averaging 15.8 points and 10.4 rebounds for the Eastern Conference-leading Cavaliers.

Love finished with eight points and six rebounds as Cleveland improved to 38–14.

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L.A. dropped its third straight game and have lost 13 of its last 15 contests.

- Jeremy Woo