Brother to Beach Boys’ Mike Love and NBA Star, Stan Love, Dead at 76

For fans of the Miami Heat, they quickly noticed that Kevin Love was absent from games throughout the NBA postseason. Although announcing he was stepping away due to personal reasons, many wondered why the power forward decided to only play in seven games throughout 2025. While the NBA star remained silent on the matter, he recently shared the heartbreaking news that his father, Stan Love, who was also an NBA legend, sadly passed away at 76 years old. 

Sharing a few pictures of his fathers throughout the years, Kevin broke the news on Sunday. He wrote in the caption, “Dad, you fought for a long time. The hardest stretch being these past 6 months. The most painful to witness being these last few weeks. And even at the end as you continued to deteriorate – I still saw you as a Giant. My Protector. My first Hero.”

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Even in Stan’s last moments, he seemed grateful for his life and to be surrounded by those who loved him unconditionally. “The words we continuously heard from you in your last chapter were how blessed you’ve been to have such a loving family. And in return how much you’ve loved your wife and kids. Your only wish was to be at home surrounded by your family when you took your dying breath. That breath came. And now it’s time to rest.”

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Kevin Love Only Hoped Stan Love Was Proud Of Him

Pouring his heart out in his farewell message to his father, Kevin only hoped that in his final moments, Stan was proud of the man he became. “Like all of us, my Dad was imperfect. But despite his flaws, and my own, we are a successful story of father and son. A never ending bond, rooted in love, that will forever remain eternal. Dad, I’m so proud to be your son. My only hope is that you’re proud of me. It was all I ever wanted. Thank you for everything.”

Outside of both Stan and Kevin nurturing careers in the NBA, Mike Love also found fame, but not in sports. Joining forces with his cousins and their friend AL Jardine, they formed the iconic Beach Boys. Just like his brother, Mike watched as fame surrounded him thanks to hit songs like “Fun, Fun, Fun”, “Good Vibrations”, and “California Girls.” Mike, along with members of the Beach Boys, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame back in 1988. 

As for Stan, his legacy within the NBA led him to play for teams like the Baltimore Bullets, Los Angeles Lakers, and the San Antonio Spurs. But even with his career on the court, he seemed to love the title “Dad” the most.

(Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)