Ring culture has become everything in today’s NBA.
Players are solely judged by how many championships they won, and not even regular-season awards mean anything at this point.
That’s why fans have urged Damian Lillard to leave the Portland Trail Blazers for years now.
Lillard, however, has vowed to stay loyal to the organization, constantly claiming that he wants to win the right way and bring a title to the city.
Even so, it seems like even Lillard has his limits.
Recently, the superstar guard admitted that he could be tempted to leave the team next season if they decide to rebuild.
Lillard claimed that he was not threatening the team or trying to make it all about himself, but the franchise needs to decide whether they want to compete or rebuild because they’ve failed at both thus far.
If no significant improvements are made, Damian Lillard believes he must make a decision about his future in Portland 👀pic.twitter.com/2qvvXvtGO8
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) April 13, 2023
Of course, hearing the most loyal guy in the league talk about that was a bit of a surprise for the fans, who took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the matter.
Needless to say, some mocked Lillard for finally giving up on all that loyalty narrative, but that makes no sense.
Damian Lillard welcome to the Miami Heat
— Kory Waldron (@KWalHoops) April 13, 2023
Here we go again
— Per Sources (@PerSources) April 13, 2023
Lillard should’ve left 5 years ago bro. This is his fault, he’s had the opportunity to leave multiple times, I’m not moved by this.
— Lakeshow Kooley🏆🏆🏆🏆 (@_K00L15) April 13, 2023
Bro had 2 other 20 point scorer in his team and didn’t even make top 10 in conference, i know he is really good but you can’t tell me he is someone who can carry you to chips as first option as he probably thinks abt himself
— Amare S (@AmareS66010429) April 13, 2023
Nope better stay there no running from the grind
— Overthinker 🧩 (@__Sharif__) April 13, 2023
Portland needs to reset. They don’t want to lose Dame but… it is what it is. Time to move on for both.
— Giancs13 (@Giancs13) April 13, 2023
People have begged him to leave the team for years, and now they criticize him for doing exactly what they asked him to do.
Lillard is one of the most unstoppable scorers in the league and a guy who most definitely deserves a chance to play meaningful basketball.
So, let’s keep an eye on the Blazers and what they decide to do in the offseason.
NEXT: Fans React To Damian Lillard Featuring Celtics Star On Wishlist