Why didn't the Lakers get Lillard through a deal? Three reasons

Lillard and Davis

Whenever an NBA superstar is about to become a free agent or a trade target, the Los Angeles Lakers will automatically connect with that player. In the offseason, U.S. social media has built fake deals.

Lillard, of course, got that treatment. Although after Denver beat Portland in the first round of last playoff, the Trail Blazers star expressed disappointment with the team's form. His surprisingly direct comments left fans and analysts alike wondering if he would consider making a trade request in the offseason.

Lillard said: "If we are not present with two of the best players in the opponent, we will not be able to stand out from the first round of the series and it will be difficult to win the championship in the following seasons. ”

After recent reports in the U.S. media about Lillard's summer meetings with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, speculation about Lillard's status and the possibility of joining the Lakers has once again reached a climax.

"James asked me what I thought of my situation, and I told him: I just want to win everything," Lillard said. "LeBron James didn't tell me he wanted me to come to L.A. and didn't say anything to me that I didn't know, he just painted a picture of me.

"I told James, 'I know if I'm going to play with you guys, I know it's going to work because of my ability,' and who I am and who they are.'"

Should Portland fans be worried? No, it won't. There are three important reasons why Lillard will not travel to Los Angeles anytime soon.

Damian Lillard wants to win a championship for the Trail Blazers

While Lillard admits he knows he has the ability to play alongside James and Davis, he has no interest in joining any version of the "super team."

"I'm sure it would be great to play with James and Davis and play in a big market, but my heart doesn't feel like it's my place," Lillard said. "One of the things I want to emphasize is that I don't want to join a super team".

Lillard also rejected the idea of playing for other title contenders. After 76ers fans recruited for Lillard during a game with the 76ers, the six-time All-Star player told reporters it was "funny" to hear the news. Lillard knows the 76ers are salivating over him, but that won't change his stance.

Lillard's mission is to bring champions to Portland. He watched Antetokounmpo win a championship with the Bucks, and he wanted to do the same thing with the only team he was on — to win the championship.

"I want to win the championship here. Winning it here will be a lifetime achievement for me. Lillard said.

The Trail Blazers won't trade Damian Lillard

The Blazers' president of basketball operations never seemed interested in discussing Lillard's deal, and he couldn't possibly trade Lillard to the Lakers. This is the most certainty that can be obtained.

The Blazers made some minor changes to the roster in the offseason but never considered getting Lillard on the move. When he hired Chansi Billups to replace coach Tristots, there was a big stir. The Blazers believe they have the ability to lead the Blazers into the playoffs and go further than Lups.

"Changxi is a recognized leader with an excellent basketball IQ and has won wherever he's been," the Blazers operations president said in June. 'He's ready for the challenge and helps us achieve the team's expectations and goals.'

However, the start to the 2021-22 season did not go well. They continue to struggle, and the question of whether Lillard can achieve his ultimate goal in Portland remains.

The Lakers don't have good trading chips against Damian Lillard

Assuming Lillard insisted on the idea of dissatisfaction with the Blazers, the Blazers could only change his attitude. Even if this does happen, what exactly can the Lakers offer to put them ahead of other suitors?

First of all, Los Angeles will not trade James or Davis. To get Davis, the Lakers traded their best young players and draft picks, so there's not much on their roster that will interest the Blazers. It's also worth noting that salary matching will be a major obstacle.

Unless the Lakers are very creative and involve another team in the process, a blockbuster deal is unlikely to happen.