Kevin Love has been playing better basketball for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs and had 23 points and nine rebounds while shooting 6-for-10 on three-pointers in their Game 3 win over the Boston Celtics.

"He's been highly criticized this year, and for what, I don't know why," James said, before pausing, and smiling. "I know why. I know why. I know."

Love was traded to the Cavaliers in the offseason and he can become a free agent in the offseason.

"For a team that finally gets together and they have a big three, they have to find someone," James said. "When I was in Miami, Chris Bosh was that guy at one point...Kevin was the guy they tried to find and tear him down. One thing about him, he's always stayed positive. I've always believed in him." 

"People have focused my whole career on what I couldn't do rather than what I could," Love said. "I know my teammates and coaching staff have my back. The organization has my back. I'm sending love right back to them. I think tonight was one of those times my numbers was called to step up and hit a big shot."

The chemistry between the Cavaliers seems to be at a season-high.

"I don't get too involved in what everybody says," James said. "I know what type of player (Love) is, what type of competitor he is, and I know he relishes the opportunity to be a part of this franchise and the postseason. With everything said with the first eight months of the season, he's definitely used it as motivation. I think he's a big-time player, he's a cerebral basketball player, and in order to be the team we want to be long term, Kevin is going to be Kevin, which he was tonight."