Damian Lillard speculation has begun again. The Portland Trail Blazers are seeking a better offer than the Miami Heat who have been in front of them all summer. The Toronto Raptors are reportedly among them. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith is adding another team to the mix. He thinks Lillard could end up donning the purple and gold with LeBron James.
Smith floated the idea of Lillard joining forces with James. He said this might be Lillard’s best chance to win his first championship.
“Personally, I wish Dem could be in L.A. He doesn’t want that, but it would be nice if he could be in L.A. with LeBron and Anthony Davis. “I’ll tell you, if Damian Leigh With Ladd and Anthony Davis, LeBron James could be on the verge of winning his fifth championship,” Smith said.
Damian Lillard joining the Los Angeles Lakers would be a groundbreaking trade. The deal would likely have to happen midseason, as the Lakers won’t be able to trade players they signed this summer until December.
Many have praised the Lakers for their roster construction this offseason. However, Smith laid out possible options the Lakers could give up to acquire Lillard.
“I would wrap D’Angelo Russell as a gift, I love Vanderbilt and I would give up on him too. If I have to give up on Hachimura, I don’t want to because I love Hachimura, but I will. Bro , I would probably give up on Austin Reeves. I know he’s a great white hope, but he’s not Notre Dame,” Smith said.
Austin Reeves became a fan favorite in Los Angeles. It will be interesting to see if the Lakers part ways with the budding star for the aging Lillard.
Where will Damian Lillard land?
Stephen A. Smith doesn’t want Damian Lillard to potentially join the Raptors. He made the first move and dismissed Lillard’s idea of moving north of the border.
“Toronto Raptors, this makes no sense. I don’t want to hear this story anymore after we talked about it, I don’t want to hear it anymore. I don’t like it at all and I hope it’s completely wrong because it’s so bad for Damian “Lillard’s long-term plan makes no sense,” Smith said.
Smith doesn’t believe the Raptors will give Lillard a chance to win his first championship. The Raptors missed the playoffs last season and have not made many major changes to their lineup this summer.
“The reality is he wants to be in a position to compete for a championship. If Toronto is an option, stay in Portland. Thinking about going to the Toronto Raptors is a waste of time,” Smith said.
Trade discussions continue. Lillard is expected to be dealt soon, ending this summer of speculation.
editor
Nicholas Ackerman