Hours After Announcing “Next Chapter”, Damian Lillard Hints at Following LeBron James’ Path, Which Might Worry Giannis Antetokounmpo

Usually, when a superstar asks out of a team, the fans are furious. They feel betrayed and fleeced. Having rooted for a guy through thick and thin, they expect better. Perhaps, there is no stronger example than LeBron James who left the Cleveland Cavaliers to join the Miami Heat. A number of Cavs burned his effigies, and jerseys and booed loudly when he made it return to the city in Ohio. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case for Trail Blazers fans.

Following Damian Lillard trade request and upon its fruition, most of the fans appear to be wishing great things for the Guard. It is because he stuck with them for 11 seasons despite the franchise failing him regularly. Sure, there are disgruntled voices, but many people understand his decision to leave. The city has even authorized tributes after the trade was confirmed. Then there are hopefuls who are predicting his return. The championship Guard, himself is giving such hints.

Is Damian Lillard going to take the same route as LeBron James?

To showcase his love for Portland, the Guard dismissed the “casuals” and wrote about his “next chapter” on X.

LeBron James’ “The Decision” example springs to the mind when it comes to this scenario. However, unlike Lillard, he received strong criticism and boycott from the Cavaliers faithful. His decision to glamorize his choice also earned him disrepute. Despite that, after nabbing two titles and making four Finals with the Heat, he returned to Believeland. 

Similarly, fans are predicting that Lillard will take this route too. While James played for the Cavs for seven straight seasons and 11 in total, Lillard featured for the Rip City in eleven straight seasons. His heart still beat for Portland but the Franchise didn’t give him what he needed throughout the tenure.

And the confirmation comes from Lillard himself! A fan page of the Trail Blazers wrote on X, ”I really believe @Dame_Lillard gonna win a couple of chips in Milwaukee then return to Portland and retire a blazer.” 

The sharpshooter reposted these thoughts. This all but confirms his desire to don a Portland Trail Blazers jersey again. If that happens, it will be similar to James’ return to the Cavs, although in different circumstances.

Read More: Jimmy Butler Accuses Damian Lillard of Tampering After Giannis Antetokounmpo Betrayal: “You Didn’t Hear It From Me”

Should this bother Giannis Antetokounmpo and co.?

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks extension

An interesting question here is how long is the window under which The Greek Freak and Dame Time are supposed to bring a championship?

Antetokounmpo still has the 3-year $173 million extension offer on the table which he refused to take. Perhaps it was this refusal and him asking the franchise to step up its game, that brought Lillard to the Bucks. However, if he signs the extension, then what if Lillard leaves after a couple of seasons if things don’t pan out? 

Watch This Story: “Lame Time as Usual”: Portland Fans Turn on Damian Lillard Hours Within Bucks Trade After His ‘I Could Never Be Replaced’ Release

Considering this is Lillard’s best chance to win a title in his career, he might stick with the team. But what about the impatient two-time MVP? How long can he stick? Should he be worried about his future with the squad despite having Lillard?