Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard reacts disbelievingly to reports saying that he could ask for a trade this season.
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Damian Lillard does not get the respect he deserves. At a seemingly pedestrian 6’2”, he is one of the best players the NBA has ever seen. In fact, he may even be the second greatest shooter of all time, perhaps just behind Stephen Curry.
Dame has put up monster numbers for the Portland Trail Blazers this season. At 30-years-old, the player is averaging 28.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 7.5 assists, doing it on 43.5, 37.8, and 92.6 shooting splits.
There is very little doubt that Lillard can be the best player on a championship team. However, the Blazers so far have been unable to get the player the help that he needs, prompting trade rumors about the player every off-season.
But it seems that the rumors decided to start a tad bit early this time. Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports recently reported that the star was allegedly close to asking for a trade request. And when Dame DOLLA was asked about his thoughts in an interview, he responded with a very comprehensive answer.
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“I took it for what it was. That’s his thoughts”: Damian Lillard responds to trade rumors
Chris Haynes is regarded as one of the more credible reporters by the NBA community. However, it seems he got this one horribly wrong.
In response to Hayne’s report, Damian Lillard had this to say.
“Somebody reached out to me and mentioned it to me… I took it for what it was. That’s his thoughts. I was kind of…what word should I use? Not irritated with him because he’s a writer. That’s what he does. I can’t expect him to not do his job.”
Lillard continued on the topic.
“But I know because of our relationship, that people would assume that I was tied to the story. I think that was the only thing that bothered me about it. I think he was doing his job and for me, I just lean on people know who I am.”
“Even with you guys… if you guys ask me a question, I answer it. I tell you what I think. I say how I feel. And most importantly, behind closed doors, the same goes for the people in our business.”
Damian Lillard has always said that he wishes to stay loyal to Portland, so his denial of the report isn’t much of a surprise. However, in an era where players do not hesitate to hit back at the media, it is refreshing to see a superstar understand the other’s perspective.
Hopefully, other superstars can take a page out of Dame’s book and one day treat reporters with a bit more respect.
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