Dusty Garza
NBA All-Star Damian Lillard has expressed his belief that if LaMarcus Aldridge had not left the Portland Trail Blazers for the San Antonio Spurs in 2015, they would have won at least one NBA championship together. Lillard mentioned that Aldridge’s presence and skill level were crucial, and he felt that with more time, they could have achieved great success.
Appearing on the Club 52O Podcast with Jeff Teague, Lillard said he is haunted by the idea that he and Aldridge would have won the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
“One thing I think about in my career is if he would have never went to San Antonio, we would have won at least once already,” explains Lillard. “‘Cause I would have come into my own but he was that good.” Lillard highlighted how their pick-and-roll game was particularly effective, with defenses often focusing on Aldridge, which opened up opportunities for him.
Damian Lillard regrets not getting more time to win with LaMarcus Aldridge: “If [LaMarcus] 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.” Dame on the @club520podcast #PorVida #Bucks #Blazers pic.twitter.com/9wlEf38QoY
— SpursRΞPORT (@SpursReporter) August 20, 2024
LaMarcus Aldridge was selected as the 2nd overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls, but he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers shortly thereafter. He had already spent six seasons as a key player with the Trail Blazers by the time Lillard joined the team in 2012. Their collaboration came to an end when LaMarcus Aldridge decided to leave the Trail Blazers in 2015 and join the San Antonio Spurs as a free agent. For San Antonio, it went down as one of the franchise’s biggest free-agent signings.
Aldridge’s move was driven by his ambition to further his career under the guidance of coach Gregg Popovich. Additionally, some communication issues and relationship dynamics between Aldridge and Lillard may have played a role in his decision to leave.
Aldridge stayed in San Antonio until 2021. During his tenure, he was named to three All-Star teams and although the Spurs didn’t win a championship during his time, Aldridge was a key player who helped maintain the team’s competitive edge and winning culture in a tough Western Conference.
Interestingly, in 2023 Lillard expressed interest in joining the San Antonio Spurs too. Reports highlighted his deep respect for the Spurs organization and his intrigue at the possibility of playing alongside Victor Wembanyama and under the guidance of coach Gregg Popovich. He ended up being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks instead.
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