Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love denied reports indicating that he is planning to become a free agent next summer in order to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Love could opt out of the final year of his contract after the 2014-15 NBA season to become an unrestricted free agent, but the All-Star power forward reiterated that he is not yet thinking about hitting free agency next summer.

Sam Smith of Bulls.com recently reported that the Love will exercise his opt-out clause in the offseason to move to Los Angeles where the 26-year-old forward attended college in UCLA.

When asked about the rumors linking him to Los Angeles on Friday, Love said, "Going to the Lakers, no, that's not true. I don't know where somebody got that."

Love, who was acquired by the Cavaliers in a blockbuster deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves in August, reiterated that he is enjoying his time in Cleveland. The seven-year veteran averaged 17.7 points to go along with 10.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists in his first seven games in a wine-and-gold uniform.

"It's been fantastic being a part of the Cavaliers now," Love said. "We have a team that's formidable, has a big presence and we see a lot of you guys [in the media] on a daily basis."

DeAntae Prince of Sporting News also reported that Love will not consider signing with the Lakers at all next summer, considering the fact that he wanted out of Minnesota because he wants to win a championship in the near future. He pointed out that signing with the Lakers will put him in a similar situation to his time in Minnesota.

Love was a double-double machine in his first six seasons in Minnesota, but he did not make the playoffs as the Timberwolves failed to surround him with players who could push them over the hump.

The Cavaliers are in a good position to secure a long-term commitment from Love next summer. Aside from the fact that they will be a perennial title contender over the next several seasons, the Cavaliers are the only team who can offer him a maximum five-year contract.

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