Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Damian Lillard just dropped huge hint about him wanting to join the Los Angeles Lakers.
After nine years starring for the Portland Trail Blazers, Damian Lillard has his eyes set on joining the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of this upcoming season, or that is what he indicated on Twitter Wednesday afternoon.
While this is purely speculation at this point, Lillard did quote tweet a random account saying to “Bet a Million.” when it comes to him starting next season as a member of the Lakers. Los Angeles already dealt for point guard Russell Westbrook in a high-profile trade with the Washington Wizards. Though they play the same position, Los Angeles is relatively weak at shooting guard.
What would it mean if Lillard ends up being dealt in-conference from Portland to the Lakers?
Damian Lillard may have hinted he wants to be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers
Though he remains with the Trail Blazers, it feels increasingly likely that Lillard will be playing elsewhere before the start of the season. Portland is not expected to contend this year, as the Trail Blazers have a new, first-time head coach in Chauncey Billups. Though the Lakers would have to give up the farm to land Lillard, they are clearly in win-now mode with their latest roster moves.
Despite bowing out in the first round earlier this summer, the Lakers are seen as the favorites to come out of the Western Conference next year. By trading for Lillard, they could eclipse the Brooklyn Nets as the favorite to win the NBA Finals. However, doing so will come at a great price. The Lakers will have shrunk their championship window by going all-in for the 2021-22 season.
Lillard to the Lakers would be massive news, but there are other teams still in the mix for him.