“We would have won at least once already!” – Damian Lillard reflects on missed NBA championship opportunity with LaMarcus Aldridge

Damian Lillard reflects on his time with LaMarcus Aldridge on the Portland Trail Blazers, as they had a championship-caliber team.

“We would have won at least once already!” – Damian Lillard reflects on missed NBA championship opportunity with LaMarcus Aldridge

LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard (Via Open Source/X)

All that is remaining is an NBA ring and Damian Lillard believes he would have won one by now had it been star center, LaMarcus Aldridge stayed with the Portland Trail Blazers beyond 2015. He stated this during a recent interview on the Club 520 podcast. 

Lillard and Aldridge had formed a dynamic duo from 2012 to 2015, where they both led the team to the playoffs each year and competed strongly in the Western Conference. But that tag team didn’t last forever as Aldridge departed to the San Antonio Spurs as a free agent in 2015. 

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If [LaMarcus Aldridge] would have never went to San Antonio, we would have won at least once already. I would have came into my own but he was that good.
Damian Lillard said on the Club 520 podcast

Despite his heroics and clutch shots from deep, Dame Time has yet to win a championship in his illustrious 12-year career in the NBA. The closest he got to even raising a trophy was a playoff run that ended at the Western Conference finals, and standing in their way was the Stephen Curry-led Golden State Warriors. 

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Lillard remained with the franchise for 11 seasons and averaged 25.2 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game on 43.9% shooting before joining the Milwaukee Bucks last season. He would forever be remembered as a legend at the Moda Center. 

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Speaking further on the Club 520 Podcast, Damian Lillard stated that he doesn’t receive enough credit for being one of the best players in the NBA, despite his impressive performances and consistency. 

They definitely don't talk about it. They act like I don't be doing what I've been doing. This is going to be my 13th season... My time in the league, when I think about how many people have been very good over that time, it ain't been that many people that have been here the whole time, since I've been in the league, that just been doing it, like over and over and over.
Damian Lillard said

Although the holy grail of an NBA title has eluded him, the 34-year-old veteran point guard can point to being an eight-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA selection, and the honor of being named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team. Apparently, not winning anything is what has given rival players like Steph Curry the edge over him, an argument he is tired of. 

Known for his “Dame-Time” shots, he has carved out a reputation as a skilled shooter and scorer. Although he believes he’s not broken, he has a lot to do if he is to achieve the recognition he rightly deserves. He first has to guide the Bucks back to the top of the Eastern Conference. 

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