Gilbert Arenas has never been shy about his opinions, and his latest take on Damian Lillard versus Kyrie Irving is bound to spark debate. On his Gil’s Arena show, the former three-time All-Star argued that Lillard’s resume gives him a clear edge over Irving.
“If Dame was in a bigger market, we wouldn’t even be having this discussion. Kyrie’s a 3x All-NBA, Dame’s a 7x, that means he was a top three guard in the NBA for seven years.”
For Arenas, the distinction is simple: All-NBA selections are the ultimate measuring stick for consistent greatness, and Lillard has been recognized at that level far more often.
Damian Lillard’s resume is nothing short of stellar. A nine-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA selection, and two-time Three-Point Contest champion, Lillard has carved out a legacy as one of the most dangerous scorers and clutch performers of his generation.
Across 13 NBA seasons, his career averages sit at 25.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.7 assists, while shooting 43.1% from the field and 37.1% from three.
Perhaps most telling is his recognition in MVP voting. Lillard has finished in the top 10 five different times, underscoring the respect he’s earned as a franchise centerpiece.
Until his trade to Milwaukee in 2023, Lillard spent 11 years in Portland as the unquestioned number-one option, carrying the Trail Blazers to eight playoff appearances and a Western Conference Finals run in 2019.
While injuries have recently slowed him down, including a devastating Achilles injury that may sideline him for the 2025-26 season, his body of work remains among the best for guards in the modern era.
Kyrie Irving’s resume, though different, is just as glittering in certain respects.
A nine-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA selection, and of course, an NBA champion with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, Irving has authored some of the most memorable postseason moments in recent history. His game-winning three-pointer in Game 7 of the 2016 Finals remains one of the most iconic shots in NBA history.
Statistically, Kyrie has been just as efficient as Dame, averaging 23.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists on 47.4% shooting from the field and an impressive 39.4% from deep. He’s also known for his elite ball-handling and artistry around the rim, often regarded as the most skilled guard of his generation.
But unlike Dame, Kyrie has never cracked the top 10 in MVP voting. Outside of a brief stint as the lead option in Boston, he’s typically been the second star next to LeBron James, Kevin Durant, or Luka Doncic.
What makes the comparison tricky is the difference in team dynamics. Dame’s loyalty to Portland meant years of carrying a smaller-market franchise with limited star help.
Kyrie, on the other hand, has spent much of his career alongside Hall of Fame talent, but also dealt with controversy and availability issues.
Both players are known for their clutch heroics, but while Kyrie’s shot delivered a championship, Dame’s long-range daggers are etched into the legends.
Now, with both stars facing long recoveries, Lillard from an Achilles injury, Irving from an ACL tear, the debate takes on new weight. Their careers may be winding down, but as Arenas pointed out, Lillard’s consistency as a top-tier guard across seven All-NBA seasons may ultimately give him the nod over Kyrie’s moments of brilliance.
