Portland Blazers superstar Damian Lillard dismissed rumors that he was frustrated with the team, and the All-Star guard once again reiterated his loyalty to the team.
The Blazers are currently in 13th place in the West with 11 wins and 18 losses, and the Blazers have lost 10 of their last 11 games and are now losing seven straight and are still seeking their first victory in December. Lillard averaged 22 points, 7.7 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game, shooting 38.4 percent from the field and 30.5 percent from three-point range, and has gradually moved out of his shooting downturn. Lillard recently smashed rumors of wanting to be traded and dissatisfaction with the team.
'A lot of people say I'm frustrated with losing and not playing at my best, but that doesn't mean I'm not happy with the team, it doesn't mean I want to look for other teams, I've never been like that.' Lillard refuted the rumors.
Since the Blazers were eliminated in the first round of the 2021 playoffs, there have been rumors of trades surrounding Lillard. Although Lee has insisted that he wants to stay in Portland, rumors of his trading are still circulating.
Lillard said: "We have a new way of attacking, a whole new style and a way of playing. As a leader, I had to be overly involved and had to show my resolve, no matter how I looked. Even if I struggle to find my place in the attack, even if I lose the ball, I have to be the most engaged person to be in order to get the whole team involved. ”
According to renowned journalist Wo Shen, Lillard wants to get a 2-year, $107 million early contract extension next summer and wants the team to rebuild around him. However, Woshen also pointed out that the Blazers' search for a new general manager may affect Lillard's contract extension, "Among the several candidates who are eligible for the new general manager of the Blazers, who is willing to give Lillard a big contract until the 2026-2027 season." The Blazers may have time to catch up with the playoffs, and he's no stranger to the tough situation he's in right now.