Kevin Love: USA Basketball’s Unofficial Instagram Photographer

More and more superstar athletes are using instant photo sharing services like Instagram, giving the general public a fascinating look into what their daily lives are like. Basketball player Kevin Love is one such player, and for the past few weeks he has been broadcasting behind-the-scenes images of the US mens national basketball team’s journey to the London Olympics. The New York Times writes,

The American team took its Instagram cues from Paul, who said his Los Angeles Clippers engaged in a similar practice throughout last season. Their photographs, Paul said, often ended up on “SportsCenter,” fueling the number taken.

Love saw the photo wars as another route to camaraderie, another way to bond. His favorite picture captured seven sleepers: Paul gripping a pillow in a bear hug, James Harden with that unsightly beard tucked into his chest, Russell Westbrook wearing sunglasses inside and even Coach Mike Krzyzewski in the background in what looks like the coach section of the plane.

“They got me yesterday,” Anthony said, his smile stretched as wide as a basketball court. “There will definitely be payback. It’s going to be trouble for Kevin.”

Love’s username is @kevinlove. Other team USA players on the service include Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, LeBron James, Deron Williams, Carmelo Anthony, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Anthony Davis, and Andre Igoudala.

The Candid Cameras of Teammates Keep Stars Humble [The New York Times]