Rare Photos of Kevin Love

Kevin Love, the NBA's 2011 rebounding champ and Most Improved Player, recently signed a four-year extension to stay with the Timberwolves. Here's a look at the All-Star power forward before he made it big in the pros ... going all the way back to 1989, when he was just 6 months old.

Love knew he was destined for a career in hoops, even at 2 years old.

Rocking a sweet Jerry West jersey.

Love finished his high school career at Lake Oswego High in Oregon as the all-time leading scorer in state history with 2,628 points, breaking a 50-year-old record. He also led the Lakers (yes, the Lakers) to a state title.

Love attended the 2004 Nike All-American Basketball Camp in Indianapolis, Ind., but controversy ensued when he chose to play in Reebok's ABCD Camp.

Here he is in 2006, donning his Denver Nuggets-colored ABCD jersey.

Getting chippy at ABCD camp!

You know you're big time when people want your autograph in high school.

The 2007 McDonald's All-American National High School Player of the Year shot hoops with Quentin Harris during a visit to a Ronald McDonald House in Louisville.

Because who wouldn't want an autographed Topps card of Greg Oden from the McDonald's All-American game?

Love, then at UCLA, hangs out with USC standout O.J. Mayo on the set of a photo shoot for SI.

He'd be wise to frame this photo.

Just hanging out at the Pac-10 Media Day.

No, that's not awkward.

No, he did not think (at least, we hope he didn't) this was a good look. It was merely "Kurt Rambis Night" at the Target Center.

Love, with UCLA teammate and future Oklahoma City Thunder point guard, Russell Westbrook, joking around during 2010 NBA All-Star weekend in Dallas.

Love interviewed NBA legend Robert Horry before Game 1 of the 2009 Finals between the Magic and Lakers at Staples Center in L.A.

While helping Team USA to a gold medal at the 2010 FIBA World Championship, Love spent his off time touring Europe. Check him out in front of the Acropolis in Athens.

He and his father and former NBA player, Stan Love, dined at the Four Seasons in Istanbul during the World Championship.