Damian Lillard is one of the most underrated players in the NBA but playing out in a career in Portland may not be the best move for his legacy in the league. We’ve made a list of five reasons why Lillard should leave the Trail Blazers before his career ends.
5. Will Never Play In An NBA Finals Match
Portland have certainly been on the rise over the last few years, finishing third in the Western Conference last season before going out in the first round of the playoffs. Unfortunately for Lillard and the Trail Blazers, they have to compete against arguably the greatest super team of all time in the Golden State Warriors.
It’s more than unlikely that Portland would win a Western Conference Final to make the NBA Finals when they have to go through sides like the Rockets and Thunder, let alone the Warriors. If Damian Lillard is serious about playing on the greatest stage of all in the NBA then playing out his career in Portland is not the way to do it.
4. Needs A Bigger Market Team
Portland isn’t exactly the most talked about franchise in the NBA, the fanbase and presence of the team isn’t as large as many others. If Lillard played for a team like the Los Angeles Lakers, the popularity and presence of Damian Lillard is only expected to grow. Alongside LeBron James in L.A, Lillard would be paid a lot more attention from the public.
3. Needs To Play In A Super Team
To beat a super team like the Golden State Warriors, you may need to form your own super team. Lillard could possibly have the chance to, possibly teaming up with some like LeBron James in 2019.
LeBron has just relocated to the Lakers and all the side is missing is a couple more stars to really challenge the Warriors in the NBA playoffs.
There’s already been talk about Jimmy Butler making a move to the Lakers, if all three could come together and connect on the court, there’s no limit to what they could achieve.
2. Currently In His Prime
If Damian Lillard is ever going to win a championship, then now is a perfect time. At 28 years old, he is well and truly in his prime and any genuine chance for a championship title will need to be within the next few years.
Other clubs such as the Lakers are still very much interested in requiring the services of Lillard, there’s a great chance he could end up in a team that has the talent to take down the Warriors. If he waits too long to be traded, he may end up in a Carmelo Anthony style situation.
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1. Legacy
The greatest players of the league are all great because of their achievements on the court in regards to Championships and individual awards. To establish himself as one of the best modern-day players, Lillard will need to ideally win one of two championships before he retires at the end of his career to truly stand out from the others and make a strong legacy.
The chances of winning a championship at Portland just doesn’t seem very realistic over the upcoming years whereas there’s a much better chance with the Lakers.
