Stan Love, former NBA player and father of basketball star Kevin Love, passed away at the age of 76. His death heralds the end of a life that profoundly changed the spheres of athletics and family in equally important, yet very different ways. Love’s legacy goes beyond his professional career, as he was the brother of Beach Boys singer Mike Love.
Born in 1947, Stan Love was an NBA 6-foot-9 forward. He was drafted ninth overall by the Baltimore Bullets in the 1971 NBA Draft. He displayed that brilliance during his playing days with the Baltimore Bullets and the Los Angeles Lakers. For context, that’s a jaw-droppingly high 226 game appearances. Over his six years in the league, he averaged 6.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. In addition to his NBA career, Stan Love spent time in the American Basketball Association, where he played 12 games for San Antonio.
Before joining the world of professional basketball, Stan Love established himself at Morningside High School in Inglewood, California. He was a standout at University of Oregon. This success proved his potential as an up-and-coming talent ready to take on the rigors of the NBA.
Kevin Love announced his father’s death in an emotional Instagram post, expressing pride in being Stan’s son. Then he looked back on their relationship and all the things he’d learned over the years.
“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.” – Kevin Love
So many deep condolences from the basketball community to Stan Love. In doing so, they commemorate all he brought to the game and pay tribute to his family’s lasting legacy. His legacy will be carried on in his son, Kevin Jr., who has emerged as a rising star in the NBA.
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