CJ McCollum is no longer playing on the Portland Trail Blazers alongside his friend, Damian Lillard.
But that doesn’t mean the two guys aren’t still incredibly close and hold special places in each others’ hearts.
Recently, it was discovered that Lillard had changed his Instagram profile picture to an illustration of him and McCollum side by side in happier days.
McCollum had a touching reaction to that move.
Lifer 🤝 real is rare https://t.co/p5GePEEJa7
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) February 21, 2022
The New Orleans Pelicans guard tweeted, “Lifer. Real is rare,” after seeing the posted image from Lillard’s account.
He’s not wrong: finding someone as successful and driven yet real as Lillard really isn’t easy to find.
Blazers Brothers
Although they never made the NBA Finals like they wished, Lillard and McCollum had a heck of a time playing together when they were in Portland.
They became one of the most beloved backcourt duos in the league and played excellently together.
There were times when it felt like Lillard and McCollum could read each others’ minds.
Like Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, when these two players got hot it was quite a show and a real blast for fans of the Blazers.
However, it just wasn’t enough.
McCollum and Lillard were able to make terrific shots but the team’s defense was porous with them on the floor together.
Additionally, they just weren’t winning enough and continually didn’t make it far in the postseason.
It was obvious that eventually, things would need to change.
After multiple seasons of rumors, the Blazers finally pulled the trigger and traded away McCollum to the Pelicans a few weeks ago.
It marks the end of an era for McCollum and Lillard – but not the end of their brotherhood.
NEXT: Damian Lillard Reveals How Much He Misses CJ McCollum