Kevin Love resumes basketball activities; no timetable for return

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love has taken the latest steps toward returning to action from the right calf strain that has kept him sidelined for over a month. 

The Cavs confirmed on Wednesday that the five-time All-Star has begun individual basketball activities for the first time since he reaggravated his calf during the win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Dec. 27. Love missed the season opener against the Charlotte Hornets and then played in only nine minutes against Philadelphia.

The 32-year-old averaged 9.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists before the injury. 

"His return to full team participation will be reassessed daily through accompanying rehabilitation and treatment activities," the Cavs added. "His return to play status will be updated as appropriate." 

While Cleveland has endured other injury setbacks and also jettisoned Kevin Porter Jr. following an ugly outburst and other off-the-court issues, the Cavs entered Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers with an overall record of 10-11 and in possession of the conference's No. 7 playoff seed. 

Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz recently reported Cleveland "would have to take a loss" to get a different team to accept Love in a trade before the March 25 deadline, so the veteran may instead attempt to help the surprising Cavs secure a postseason berth during the second half of the campaign.