Los Angeles Lakers finished 33-49 last season, failing to qualify for the playoffs. This was only the fourth time LeBron James missed out on the playoffs in his 19-year NBA career. The Lakers crashed out of the playoffs in 2021, after losing out to Phoenix Suns in six games. That led to a massive summer overhaul with the likes of Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwight Howard joining them. ‘King James’, however, knew they needed more quality players and even tried to recruit Portland Trail Blazers stalwart Damian Lillard.

Damian Lillard is undoubtedly one of the most loyal players in the NBA right now. Since being drafted by the Blazers in the 2012 NBA draft, Lillard has been with them through thick and thin. He has declined to leave for greener pastures in the past despite enticing offers from several top teams.

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However, when LeBron James comes knocking, it’s undoubtedly hard for any player to decline. Lillard recently revealed his conversation with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who tried to entice him into joining the Lakers in the summer of 2021.

Damian Lillard discusses LeBron James recruiting him in 2021

Lillard and LeBron ran into each other in 2021 during a WNBA game between the Aces and the Sparks. The Blazers and the Los Angeles Lakers had crashed out of the playoffs early in the first round. James then tried to convince Lillard to join the Lakers.

“He was just like, ‘Pull up to the house,’” Lillard told Logan Murdock of The Ringer.

“And I’m like, s**t, I’m out here. Tomorrow is the only day I ain’t got nothing planned out. I can pull up for a little bit.”

“I wasn’t even looking at it like a recruiting process,” he added. “The whole time I was like, ‘I play for the Blazers.’ My only point is, let’s give ourselves a chance. I wasn’t sending no shots or sending no threats. I’m just honest. When I get asked a question, I answer the question. Because these questions had never been asked.”

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LeBron James tried his best to recruit the six-time NBA All-Star. However, Lillard decided to stay with the Blazers that summer and the Lakers went on to sign Russell Westbrook to bolster their chances of winning a championship.

Damian Lillard aims to win a championship with the Blazers

Lillard has now been with the Portland Trail Blazers for a decade. He has helped the Blazers reach eight playoffs in those years. However, Lillard dreams of winning a championship in Portland.

Lillard told The Ringer: “I want to win as a Trail Blazer. I want to win a championship where I am.” 

“I don’t think I would feel the same joy and happiness if I did it elsewhere. I would be happy, no doubt. Like winning a chip, you get that experience. But I know how I want it,” he said.

The expectations for the Portland Trail Blazers are high as they signed many top players in the summer. They have built the roster around Damian Lillard and he will as always remain crucial in ending their 45-year wait for a championship.

Do you think Lillard will win that elusive chip with the Blazers? Share your thoughts in the comments below.