The Dagger: Damian Lillard and the question of loyalty

I’ve never been loyal to any team.

As a sports fan, I’ve always attached myself to a player and his team thereafter.

Growing up, I was all about the Lakers because of Kobe Bryant. Once the Black Mamba retired, I attached myself to Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard.

Part of Kobe and Dame’s allure is their loyalty to one organization. Like many other legends – Jordan, Nowitzki, Duncan – they tied themselves to one team and swore to figure out how to deliver a championship.

Sometimes, however, that loyalty is tested.

Damian Lillard is at a crossroads. He’s constantly reiterated Portland is where he wants to win. But after five first round playoff exits, two western conference semifinal losses, a sweep in the western conference finals and no Finals appearances, fealty may not feel like the best option anymore.

Lillard wants to win. And at this point, I wouldn’t be angry if he went to a different organization that could support his championship aspirations.

There are rumblings of different teams vying to woo him. Namely the Clippers, Miami Heat, Lakers and the Knicks, as reported by ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.

A message Lillard has reverberated throughout his career is he is not for stars teaming up to win. If he joins LeBron James or Kawhi Leonard in Los Angeles, he would be doing that.

The Knicks and Heat, however, do not have a player of Lillard’s caliber and are solid teams that are begging for a star. They both have great players, excellent coaches and are attractive destinations to lure other stars. They also can help Lillard develop defensively, which is possibly the only weakness in his game.

Lillard may be just what those teams need to help them take the next step – whatever that step may be – and I’m all for it.

I still believe in the Blazers, though, and their ability to give Dame what he needs. They’ve already taken a tough – but necessary –  step to cut ties with former head coach Terry Stotts.

But Dame Time is running out. Lillard needs to know that whatever organization he decides to commit to is just as serious about raising a championship banner as he is.

And honestly, who can blame him?