Cleveland Cavaliers injury rumors 2016: Kevin Love downplays recent shoulder woe

Kevin LoveReuters

In Kobe Bryant's last game at the Quicken Loans Arena last Wednesday, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love had an injury scare when he hurt his left shoulder and had to leave the game. 

Love suffered the shoulder contusion in the first half and once he left, never checked back in, although the Cavs still managed to take a 120–111 win over the hapless Los Angeles Lakers. 

The former All-Star finished the game with eight points, six rebounds, three assists, and one steal in 20 minutes of action.

It was not a good moment for Cleveland and Love, since the shoulder was the one dislocated during the first round of last season's playoffs, which kept him out for the remainder of the season. 

However, it seems like the recent shoulder woe is not a major concern as Love said, according to ESPN, "It felt like fire was running down my arm. Just a stinger, and doctors decided we'll be cautious and use the break for it to feel better, but it actually feels OK right now."

ESPN reported that Cavaliers general manager David Griffin is not expecting Love to be out for a long period of time, with the latter also believing he does not need to sit out any game. 

The game against the Lakers was the Cavs' last before the much anticipated All-Star Weekend from February 12–14 in Toronto, Canada. 

Cleveland will resume regular season action on Feb. 18 hosting rivals the Chicago Bulls. 

As Love said, the upcoming break benefits him since he can get the shoulder checked and have rest before going back to action. 

The 27-year-old is considered one of the All-Star snubs this season because he is playing well and is a double-double machine for Cleveland.

In his second season with the Cavaliers, Love is averaging 15.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 32.1 minutes played per game.