History of Kevin Love in Timeline

Kevin Love is a professional basketball player currently with the Utah Jazz. A five-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA Second Team member, he won an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016. Love also earned gold medals with the United States national team at the 2010 FIBA World Championship and the 2012 Summer Olympics. In 2011, he was named the NBA Most Improved Player and led the league in rebounding, highlighting his impactful career.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1964: Wilt Chamberlain's Double-Double Record Start

On March 13, 2011, Kevin Love's consecutive double-double streak ended at 53 games. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Wilt Chamberlain holds the record with 227 consecutive double-doubles from 1964 to 1967.

1967: Wilt Chamberlain's Double-Double Record End

1973: Elvin Hayes's Double-Double Streak

On March 13, 2011, Kevin Love's consecutive double-double streak ended at 53 games. It was the longest streak since the ABA–NBA merger in 1976. Love was two short of Elvin Hayes's streak of 55 consecutive double-doubles set in the 1973–74 season.

1976: ABA-NBA Merger

On March 13, 2011, Kevin Love's consecutive double-double streak ended at 53 games. It was the longest streak since the ABA–NBA merger in 1976, surpassing Malone's 51-game streak from 1979 to 1980.

1979: Moses Malone's Double-Double Streak

On March 13, 2011, Kevin Love's consecutive double-double streak ended at 53 games. It was the longest streak since the ABA–NBA merger in 1976, surpassing Malone's 51-game streak from 1979 to 1980.

1980: Moses Malone's Double-Double Streak End

On March 13, 2011, Kevin Love's consecutive double-double streak ended at 53 games. It was the longest streak since the ABA–NBA merger in 1976, surpassing Malone's 51-game streak from 1979 to 1980.

1982: Moses Malone's Statistical Season

In the 2010-11 season, Kevin Love became the first player to average at least 20 points and 15 rebounds in a season since Malone in the 1982–83 season, showcasing his dominance in both scoring and rebounding.

1982: Moses Malone's 30-30 Game

On November 12, 2010, Kevin Love recorded a "30–30" game, becoming the first player to record a 30–30 game since Moses Malone in 1982.

1984: Hakeem Olajuwon Leading Rebounding

In 2009, Kevin Love also led all first-years with 29 double-doubles. He also ranked first in the league in offensive rebound percentage, becoming the first rookie to lead the league since Hakeem Olajuwon in 1984–85.

September 7, 1988: Kevin Love's Birth

On September 7, 1988, Kevin Wesley Love was born. He is now a professional basketball player for the Utah Jazz in the NBA.

Others born on this day/year

1992: Hakeem Olajuwon's Double-Double Streak

In January 2012, Kevin Love began the season recording 15 straight double-doubles, the first player to do so since Hakeem Olajuwon in the beginning of the 1992–93 NBA season.

1996: Walt Hazzard's number retirement

In 1996, Walt Hazzard's number 42 was retired by UCLA. Despite this, Kevin Love received permission to wear the number before the 2007-08 season.

1996: Charles Barkley's Rebound Record

On November 12, 2010, Kevin Love became the 19th player to record a "30–30" game. His 31 rebounds were the most by a player in an NBA game since Charles Barkley recorded 33 rebounds in 1996.

2005: State Championship Game Loss

In 2005, during his sophomore season, Kevin Love led the Lake Oswego Lakers to the state championship game, where they lost to Jesuit High School, despite his contributions of 25.3 points and 15.4 rebounds per game.

July 2006: Verbal Commitment to UCLA

In July 2006, Kevin Love verbally committed to play college basketball at UCLA, choosing it over North Carolina, marking a significant decision in his basketball journey.

2007: Permission to wear number 42

Before the 2007-08 season, Kevin Love received permission from Walt Hazzard to wear number 42 for the Bruins even though the school had retired the number for Hazzard in 1996.

2007: Kevin Garnett's Celtics Trade

In 2010-11, Kevin Love's No. 42 was the Wolves' top-selling jersey; sales were comparable to Kevin Garnett's when he was in his prime. Kevin Garnett was traded from the Timberwolves to the Boston Celtics in 2007.

2007: All-Pac-10 Tournament Team Nomination

In the 2008 Pacific-10 Conference men's basketball tournament, both O. J. Mayo and Kevin Love were nominated to the All-Pac-10 tournament team. The tournament took place after the 2007 regular season.

April 17, 2008: NBA Draft Announcement

On April 17, 2008, Kevin Love announced his decision to leave UCLA and enter the 2008 NBA draft, marking the end of his college basketball career and the start of his professional journey.

2008: Pac-10 Championship and NCAA Tournament

In 2008, Kevin Love guided UCLA to the regular season Pac-10 conference championship, the conference tournament championship, and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament, solidifying his impact in college basketball.

2008: UCLA Bruins Final Four Appearance

In 2008, Kevin Love led the UCLA Bruins to a Final Four appearance in the NCAA tournament, showcasing his college basketball prowess.

2008: Starred in Gunnin' for That No. 1 Spot

In 2008, Kevin Love was one of the stars in the feature length documentary Gunnin' for That No. 1 Spot.

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October 16, 2009: Hand Injury

On October 16, 2009, Kevin Love broke the fourth metacarpal in his left hand during a pre-season game against the Chicago Bulls, leading to a period on the injured list.

December 4, 2009: Return from Injury

On December 4, 2009, Kevin Love returned to play against the New Orleans Hornets after recovering from a broken hand, immediately making an impact for the struggling Timberwolves.

2009: Front cover of NCAA Basketball 09

In 2009, Kevin Love appeared on the front cover of the video game NCAA Basketball 09.

2009: Joined Hoops for St. Jude Charity Program

In 2009, Kevin Love became the first NBA player to join the Hoops for St. Jude charity program, benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

2009: USA National Team Mini-Camp

In 2009, Kevin Love participated in the USA National Team mini-camp held in Las Vegas, marking an early step in his national team involvement.

2009: NBA All-Rookie Second Team

In 2009, Kevin Love was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team and finished sixth in Rookie of the Year voting after a strong debut season with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

November 12, 2010: "30-30" Game

On November 12, 2010, Kevin Love achieved a "30-30" game against the New York Knicks, recording 31 points and a career-high 31 rebounds, setting a Timberwolves franchise record.

2010: Consecutive Double-Double Record

During the 2010–11 season, Kevin Love established the longest streak for consecutive games recording double figures in points and rebounds since the ABA–NBA merger, marking a significant achievement.

2010: Won gold medal at FIBA World Championship

In 2010, Kevin Love was a member of the United States national team that won the gold medal at the FIBA World Championship.

2010: FIBA World Championship Gold Medal

In 2010, Kevin Love was part of the United States national team that won the gold medal at the FIBA World Championship, adding an international accolade to his career.

2010: Top Selling Jersey

In 2010–11, Love's No. 42 jersey was the Wolves' top-selling jersey. Sales were comparable to Kevin Garnett's when he was in his prime.

2010: Kevin McHale Coaching Departure

In the off-season, Kevin Love generated attention from his Twitter account when he broke the story that Kevin McHale would not return to coach the Timberwolves for the 2009–2010 season.

February 4, 2011: NBA All-Star Selection

On February 4, 2011, Kevin Love was selected by Commissioner David Stern to his first NBA All-Star Game as a replacement for the injured Yao Ming, recognizing his outstanding performance.

2011: Signed endorsement contract with 361 Degrees

In 2011, Kevin Love signed a 6-year endorsement contract with the Chinese shoe company 361 Degrees.

2011: NBA Most Improved Player Award

In 2011, Kevin Love was honored with the NBA Most Improved Player Award and also led the league in rebounding, marking a standout year in his career.

January 2012: 30-Point Games Streak

In January 2012, Kevin Love scored 30 points in three consecutive games for the first time in his career, marking a personal achievement.

July 7, 2012: Made Olympic team

On July 7, 2012, Kevin Love was selected for the 2012 Olympic team.

October 17, 2012: Love to miss six to eight weeks due to broken hand

On October 17, 2012, it was reported that Kevin Love would miss six to eight weeks due to breaking the third and fourth metacarpals on his right shooting hand during a morning workout.

2012: Starred in My Life As An NBA Rookie

In 2012, Kevin Love appeared in the short documentary My Life As An NBA Rookie.

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2012: Investor in 12Society

In 2012, Kevin Love became an investor in the lifestyle website 12Society.

2012: Summer Olympics Gold Medal

In 2012, Kevin Love secured a gold medal as part of the United States team at the Summer Olympics, further solidifying his international accomplishments.

2012: Pepsi Max "Uncle Drew" Campaign

In 2012, Kevin Love was part of an internet advertising campaign by PepsiCo for Pepsi Max that featured the character "Uncle Drew" played by Kyrie Irving. He also co-starred in "Uncle Drew: Chapter 2".

January 3, 2013: Love refractures shooting hand

On January 3, 2013, Kevin Love refractured his shooting hand in a game against the Denver Nuggets, requiring surgery and sidelining him for an additional eight to ten weeks.

2013: Love sets NBA record for points, rebounds and 3-pointers

In 2013–14, Kevin Love set an NBA record, becoming the first player in NBA history to record 2,000 points, 900 rebounds and 100 3-pointers in a single season.

February 22, 2014: Love Records First Career Triple Double

On February 22, 2014, Kevin Love recorded his first career triple double with 37 points, 12 rebounds, and a career-high 10 assists in a 121–104 win over the Utah Jazz.

April 2, 2014: Love Records Third Career Triple Double

On April 2, 2014, Kevin Love recorded his third career triple double with 24 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists in a 102–88 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

August 23, 2014: Love traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers

On August 23, 2014, Kevin Love was traded by the Timberwolves to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a three-team trade.

2014: Trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers

In 2014, Kevin Love was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers after playing six seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking a new chapter in his NBA career.

2014: Withdrew from FIBA Basketball World Cup

In 2014, amidst unresolved trade talks, Kevin Love withdrew himself from the FIBA Basketball World Cup team.

January 23, 2015: Klay Thompson sets record for points in a quarter

On January 23, 2015, Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors set the record at 37 points in the third quarter

February 8, 2015: Love scores season-high 32 points

On February 8, 2015, Kevin Love scored a season-high 32 points in a 120–105 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

June 24, 2015: Love opts out of contract with Cavaliers

On June 24, 2015, Kevin Love opted out of the final year of his contract, worth $16.7 million in 2015–16, to return to free agency.

July 9, 2015: Love re-signs with the Cavaliers

On July 9, 2015, Kevin Love re-signed with the Cavaliers on a five-year, $110 million contract.

November 23, 2015: Love scores season-high 34 points

On November 23, 2015, Kevin Love scored 27 of his season-high 34 points in the first half of the Cavaliers' 117–103 win over the Orlando Magic.

2015: Last Player from Championship Team

In 2015, after signing with the Miami Heat, Kevin Love was the last player from the 2015–16 championship team still on the Cavaliers' roster.

2015: Potential Free Agency

Love's four-year contract extension, agreed to on January 25, allowed him to become an unrestricted free agent as early as 2015, influencing his long-term career plans.

January 29, 2016: Love scores 29 points in win over Pistons

On January 29, 2016, Kevin Love scored 29 points on 9-of-19 shooting in a 114–106 win over the Detroit Pistons.

September 2016: Donated to UCLA Athletics

In September 2016, Kevin Love donated $1 million to UCLA Athletics, matching a gift by Russell Westbrook. The funds helped construct the Mo Ostin Basketball Center.

October 25, 2016: Love records 23 points and 12 rebounds in win over Knicks

On October 25, 2016, after receiving his first championship ring before the season opener, Kevin Love recorded 23 points and 12 rebounds in a 117–88 win over the New York Knicks.

2016: Style ambassador for Banana Republic

In 2016, Kevin Love became the new style ambassador and campaign model for Banana Republic.

2016: NBA Championship

In 2016, Kevin Love won an NBA championship as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, marking a significant career triumph.

January 26, 2017: Love named All-Star reserve

On January 26, 2017, Kevin Love was named an Eastern Conference All-Star reserve for the 2017 NBA All-Star Game.

February 14, 2017: Love undergoes knee surgery, ruled out for All-Star Game

On February 14, 2017, Kevin Love underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove a loose body from his left knee, and was ruled out for approximately six weeks, missing the All-Star Game.

October 17, 2017: Love scores 15 points in season opener

On October 17, 2017, in the Cavaliers' season opener, Kevin Love scored 15 points in a 102–99 win over the Boston Celtics, hitting a critical 3-pointer late in the game.

November 7, 2017: Love has season-best game with 32 points and 16 rebounds

On November 7, 2017, Kevin Love had a then season-best game with 32 points and 16 rebounds in a 124–119 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.

November 2017: Panic Attack During Game

In November 2017, Kevin Love experienced a panic attack during a game, which later led him to seek therapy and speak out about mental health.

November 28, 2017: Love scores 38 points against Heat

On November 28, 2017, Kevin Love scored 32 of his 38 points in the first half of the Cavaliers' 108–97 win over the Miami Heat.

December 25, 2017: Love records game-high 31 points and season-best 18 rebounds against Warriors

On December 25, 2017, Kevin Love had a game-high 31 points and a season-best 18 rebounds in a 99–92 loss to the Golden State Warriors.

January 30, 2018: Love fractures hand against Pistons

On January 30, 2018, Kevin Love left the Cavaliers' game against the Detroit Pistons with a fracture in his left hand.

March 2018: Revealed Seeing a Therapist

In March 2018, Kevin Love revealed that he had been seeing a therapist for several months following a panic attack, contributing to the discussion of mental health in sports. He wrote an article in The Players' Tribune entitled, "Everyone Is Going Through Something".

April 1, 2018: Love records 400th career double-double

On April 1, 2018, Kevin Love recorded his 400th career double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds in a 98–87 win over the Dallas Mavericks.

July 24, 2018: Love signs four-year extension with Cavaliers

On July 24, 2018, Kevin Love signed a four-year, $120 million extension with the Cavaliers.

August 2018: Mental Health Advocacy

In August 2018, Kevin Love continued his advocacy for mental health awareness, discussing his family's history of depression and his own struggles. He committed to forming a foundation focusing on mental health, particularly for young boys.

2018: Start of Injury Struggles

From 2018 to 2021, Kevin Love faced multiple injuries after making four straight NBA Finals appearances with the Cleveland Cavaliers and winning a championship in 2016, impacting his playing time and performance.

2018: Established the Kevin Love Fund

In 2018, Kevin Love established the Kevin Love Fund to provide resources for improving physical and emotional well-being.

2018: Uncle Drew Theatrical Movie

In 2018, the Pepsi Max "Uncle Drew" campaign led to the theatrical movie Uncle Drew, though Kevin Love was not part of the production.

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February 8, 2019: Love returns to action after missing 50 games

On February 8, 2019, Kevin Love returned to action after missing 50 games due to a toe injury.

March 12, 2020: Donation to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Staff

On March 12, 2020, The Kevin Love Fund donated $100,000 to the support staff of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse who were unable to work during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.

April 26, 2020: Kevin Love Fund sent lunches to Cleveland Clinic staff

On April 26, 2020, The Kevin Love Fund sent a truckload of lunches to the staff of the Cleveland Clinic's Medical Intensive Care Unit and its COVID-19 testing sites.

June 22, 2020: Pledged $500,000 to UCLA psychology department

On June 22, 2020, Kevin Love announced that his fund was pledging $500,000 to establish the Kevin Love Fund Chair in UCLA's psychology department, which was matched to a total of $1 million.

2020: Withdrew from Olympic team

In 2020, Kevin Love was selected for the Olympic team in Tokyo, but withdrew after an exhibition game due to a calf injury.

January 31, 2021: Got Engaged to Kate Bock

On January 31, 2021, Kevin Love got engaged to Canadian model Kate Bock after dating for nearly five years.

May 12, 2021: Love logs season-high 30 points and 14 rebounds against Celtics

On May 12, 2021, Kevin Love logged his fifth double-double of the season with a season-high 30 points and 14 rebounds in a 102–94 win over the Boston Celtics, ending the Cavaliers' 11-game losing streak.

2021: Reserve Role with Cavaliers

In 2021–22, Kevin Love transitioned to a reserve role with the Cleveland Cavaliers and finished as runner-up for the Sixth Man of the Year award, demonstrating his adaptability.

December 31, 2021: Love Scores Highest-Scoring Game in Over Four Seasons

On December 31, 2021, against the Atlanta Hawks, Kevin Love had 35 points, his highest-scoring game in over four seasons.

June 25, 2022: Married Kate Bock

On June 25, 2022, Kevin Love and Kate Bock were married at the New York Public Library in New York City.

February 2023: Joining the Miami Heat

In February 2023, after securing a contract buyout from the Cleveland Cavaliers due to reduced playing time, Kevin Love joined the Miami Heat and reached his fifth NBA Finals in as many playoff appearances.

February 18, 2023: Love and Cavaliers agree to contract buyout

On February 18, 2023, Kevin Love and the Cavaliers officially agreed to a contract buyout, making him a free agent.

February 20, 2023: Signed with Miami Heat

On February 20, 2023, Kevin Love signed with the Miami Heat, marking a new chapter in his NBA career.

June 2023: Birth of First Child

In June 2023, during the NBA Finals, Kate Bock gave birth to the couple's first child.

July 6, 2023: Re-signed with the Heat

On July 6, 2023, Kevin Love re-signed with the Miami Heat on a two-year, $7.9 million contract, including a player option for the second year.

2023: Plan to Retire with the Cavaliers

In 2023, Kevin Love announced his plan to potentially return to Cleveland before retiring, expressing his openness to retiring with the Cavaliers.

June 30, 2024: Love declined player option and re-signed with Miami

On June 30, 2024, Kevin Love declined his player option with the Miami Heat. A week later, he re-signed with the Heat on a two-year, $8 million contract, continuing his tenure with the team.

September 2024: Tristan Thompson Re-signs

In September 2024, Tristan Thompson, who was previously on the 2015-16 championship team, re-signed with the Cavaliers.

July 7, 2025: Traded to the Utah Jazz

On July 7, 2025, Kevin Love was traded to the Utah Jazz as part of a three-team transaction involving the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Clippers. Kyle Anderson also went to Utah from Miami, and a 2nd-round pick was sent from Los Angeles. Norman Powell moved from Los Angeles to Miami, and John Collins went from Utah to Los Angeles.