It has been a disappointing season for Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers as well. The veteran guard has struggled to find his shooting range but continues to struggle to produce for the team.
Trade rumors surrounded Dame throughout the offseason following the cryptic message on Instagram immediately after getting knocked out of the 2021 playoffs in the first round. But Lillard has continued to pledge his loyalty to the franchise and expressed his desire to bring a championship to Portland.
To achieve that, Lillard needs to have a better supporting cast, and the organization is yet to bring in players that can help the team be a contender. His pairing with CJ McCollum on the backcourt was expected to produce results, but that has not been the case.
With Neil Olshey fired as the president of basketball operations and GM, there could be some major changes coming to the organization. That, in itself, has sparked several rumors surrounding Lillard and McCollum.
It was reported that Lillard would like to play with Ben Simmons, and for that to happen, the player with the most value who can be used in a trade deal is CJ. A potential trade for Kyrie Irving has also been suggested by Stephen A. Smith as he warned against the Philadelphia 76ers trading Simmons for Kyrie.
While Lillard has continued to emphasize that he does not plan on leaving the Blazers, fans cannot help themselves. Many have continued to suggest teams he could play for and win a championship, with the latest being the Los Angeles Lakers.
https://twitter.com/009Kingz/status/1470256610853466116https://twitter.com/ValtGang/status/1470251825702096898
Dame is down bad don’t know why he won’t leave he’s not winning anything in Portland
— Chef curry (Parody) (@baby_face_goat) December 13, 2021
https://twitter.com/JayDunn305/status/1470320137949564928
Dame a future Laker
— ™️_🌾 (@Sincerely_m0n) December 13, 2021
Dame is finished unless he joins lakers
— 0-6 (@bronisthegoat6) December 13, 2021
https://twitter.com/_________lmao_/status/1470251938738540547
Dame gotta Leave He not going anywhere staying in Portland
— H5🩸 (@omghidsuii) December 13, 2021
dame to lakers
— 𝒹𝓊𝓁🌵💫 (@onlybronn) December 13, 2021
https://twitter.com/SkyHookPDX/status/1470296079862169602
The Blazers are on a five-game losing streak and have only won once in their last nine outings. Although Dame was unavailable in their last four losses due to an abdominal injury, his presence was not enough to lead the team to a victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves last night.
Dame joining the Lakers will not do them much good considering his current form. For that trade to happen, the Lakers will have to give up Russell Westbrook, and why should they? Although he is not a good three-point shooter, he has a higher three-point percentage than Lillard so far this season and is a better all-around player.
Lillard could be lethal on that Lakers team if he finds his shooting stroke. But he is currently averaging 21.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 7.7 assists while shooting 39.2% from the field and 29.6% from beyond the arc.
