Damian Lillard is one of the biggest stars in the NBA right now. And as such, it's only normal to see him tied to multiple trade rumors, especially given the current status of the Portland Trail Blazers.
Lillard has been vocal about his frustration with the roster and their inability to compete at the highest level. And even though he has never said that he wants to leave, some speculate that it's just a matter of time.
Being a California native and due to his good relationship with LeBron James, Lillard and the Lakers have often been tangled up in rumors. That's why the rapper/NBA superstar had to set the record straight once and for all.
Lillard Says He Won't Join The Lakers Because Of Westbrook
In a recent interview with Complex News, Lillard recalled a recent incident with a fan. The fan bet that he would be on the Lakers before the start of the season and Dame had some fun with him. Apparently, him joining the Lakers was never a possibility because they traded for Russell Westbrook:
“He said ‘I would bet anybody that when the season starts, Dame’s going to be playing for the Lakers,'” Lillard recalled. “And the Lakers just traded for Russell Westbrook, so I’m not going to play for the Lakers. We play the same position, so (I was) like bet a million.”
This makes plenty of sense. Not only do Lillard and Westbrook have a bit of history but also, why would the Lakers trade for a couple of ball-dominant point guards with massive contracts? It just doesn't make any sense.
Some people would argue that Lillard was a better fit next to LeBron and Anthony Davis and I won't tell you otherwise. Nonetheless, his contract situation made it nearly impossible for the Lakers to pull a deal off, whereas Westbrook was a more realistic target.
Lillard has never struck as the kind of player who'll bail on his team and just join multiple stars to get an easy path to the ring. Then again, we've seen that happen so many times recently that we wouldn't be shocked if that's the case eventually.
