Former Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard has long been celebrated as one of the franchise’s greatest players. However, despite his impressive career, Lillard has yet to achieve the elusive NBA championship that many believe he deserves. In a recent interview on the Club 520 podcast, Lillard opened up about a pivotal moment he believes cost him his best shot at a title during his time with the Trail Blazers.
The Departure of LaMarcus Aldridge: A Turning Point
Damian Lillard pinpointed the 2015 departure of his teammate and co-star LaMarcus Aldridge as the moment that dashed his championship hopes with the Trail Blazers. Aldridge, who left to join the San Antonio Spurs, was a key player in the Blazers’ lineup, and his departure marked a significant shift for the team. Reflecting on the impact of Aldridge’s exit, Lillard said, “If [LaMarcus Aldridge] would have never gone to San Antonio, we would have won at least once already. I would have come into my own, but he was that good.”
Lillard went on to describe how Aldridge’s presence on the court influenced his early career. “My rookie year, I started with an elbow pull-up jumper off a pick and roll—like literally, one-two-three dribbles to the elbow, pull-up every time. Cause they were trying to get back to him,” Lillard shared, illustrating the dynamic partnership they had.
A Relationship That Could Have Been Stronger
The departure of Aldridge not only affected the team’s performance but also left a void in what could have been a stronger partnership between the two stars. In a 2021 interview with The Athletic, Aldridge expressed regret over how things ended between him and Lillard. “I just feel like I wish Dame and I would’ve talked more and tried to develop a better relationship… the only regret I have is I wish I would have worked harder to have a relationship with Dame,” Aldridge confessed.
Lillard’s reflection on this missed opportunity underscores the complexities of NBA careers, where talent alone isn’t always enough to secure a championship. The chemistry between players and the decisions they make can alter the course of their legacies, as Lillard’s experience with Aldridge reveals.
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