Stan Love, a former NBA player, brother of Beach Boys singer Mike Love, and father of Miami Heat forward Kevin Love, has died at 76. His death was announced Sunday and Monday via social media by Mike and Kevin Love. The 6-foot-9 forward, who played four seasons in the NBA, battled significant health issues in recent years. His passing marks a profound loss for his family and the basketball community.
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Mike Love shared his grief on Instagram Monday. "I'm still in shock," he wrote. "Although he'd battled significant health issues for so long, I never thought I'd lose him." He described Stan as his "big younger brother" and a "superstar" who always had his back. "I will cherish our lives spent together," Mike added. "I know you're on the big court now, pounding down 3's. Give Mom & Dad a hug from me."
Kevin Love posted Sunday night, reflecting on his father's final days. "Dad, you fought for a long time," he wrote. "The hardest stretch being these past 6 months. Even at the end as you continued to deteriorate — I still saw you as a Giant. My Protector. My first Hero." Kevin noted Stan's wish to die at home, surrounded by family. "That breath came," he wrote. "Now it's time to rest."
A Basketball Journey
Born in Los Angeles in April 1949, Stan Love was the fourth of six children. While his brother Mike co-founded The Beach Boys, Stan excelled on the basketball court. He starred at Morningside High School in Inglewood, California, and later at the University of Oregon. In 1971, the Baltimore Bullets selected him ninth overall in the NBA Draft, alongside future Hall of Famers like Spencer Haywood.
Love played four seasons in the NBA, averaging 6.8 points and 4.0 rebounds across 226 games. He spent one full season with the Bullets, then joined the Los Angeles Lakers. His final stint came with the San Antonio Spurs in the American Basketball Association, where he played 12 games. His career, though brief, left a lasting impression.
Kevin Love, a forward for the Miami Heat, has been absent from the team for personal reasons, including the past ten regular-season games and Monday's Game 4 against Cleveland. He played in Miami's play-in tournament game against Chicago but left again due to his father's declining health.
