Kevin Love says he plans to return to Cleveland Cavaliers next season

Kevin Love had an uneven first season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but that hasn’t stopped him from making a decision about his future.

Speaking to reporters Sunday, Love responded “Yes, sir� when asked if he will be playing for the Cavaliers next season.

‘’I truly haven’t even thought about it, but as I mentioned, I expect to be suiting up by Game 1 of next year,’’ Love said.

Love’s season came to an early end when he suffered a dislocated left shoulder during the Cavaliers’ opening playoff series against the Boston Celtics. There was speculation Love would opt out of his contract with the team after an sometimes uneasy first year playing alongside NBA superstar LeBron James.

In February, James criticized Love when he tweeted, “Stop trying to find a way to FIT-OUT and just FIT-IN. Be a part of something special!� James was referring to Love saying during the preseason that his focus was on being himself and not trying to “fit in� with his new teammates.

Love said he didn’t have a problem with James’ tweet, but he later admitted he wasn’t “best friends� with James.

Despite the comments, the Cavaliers finished with the second-best record in the Eastern Conference en route to making the NBA Finals. With the team four wins away from the NBA title, Love admitted it has been difficult watching from the sideline.

“That’s the hardest part,� Love said. “I had really wanted this, wanted to be a part of this run, and then that fourth game in the first series, got hurt on a tough play.

“I’m super happy for these guys, proud of these guys� he continued. “And there’s times where I’ve felt down because of my shoulder, and they’ve been here to pick me back up. And that’s kind of how it’s been the whole year.�

The Associated Press contributed to this report.