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Lakers Rumors: Blazers’ GM quiets Damian Lillard to L.A. whispers

PORTLAND, OR - MARCH 15: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers greet each other coming off the court after the game on March 15, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - MARCH 15: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers greet each other coming off the court after the game on March 15, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)

Although Damian Lillard’s name has been linked to the Lakers, Blazers’ GM Neil Olshey is laughing at the rumors.

Los Angeles Lakers rumors have run rampant in recent days. The Los Angeles Lakers have made quite a few moves so far this offseason. Without a doubt, their biggest transaction came in the form of signing superstar LeBron James to a four-year pact.

Recent rumors suggest that the Lakers are not giving up on looking at ways to improve their roster. Earlier in the week, it was reported that Los Angeles is exploring several options outside of Kawhi Leonard.

Among the multiple other options being considered is Portland Trail Blazer Damian Lillard. The buzz regarding Lillard was originally shared by Chris Sheridan of GetMoreSports.com.

The presence of a guy like Lillard would be huge for the Lakers. It would grant the ball club with another established star not named James.

Like James, too, Lillard would give Los Angeles someone who is extremely adept at making plays for others and for himself.

Perhaps one of the only downsides to acquiring Lillard would be the likelihood of having to trade Lonzo Ball, via OregonLive.com. The Lakers would lose Ball’s “‘pass-first’ mentality.” However, Lillard is among the group that made it to the All-NBA first team this past season.

In 2017-2018, the Blazers’ star averaged 26.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.6 assists a night. Accordingly, Lillard would be a clear upgrade over Ball in terms of his ability to get buckets.

While trading for Lillard would certainly be nice, Blazers’ general manager Neil Olshey recently nullified the notion of Lillard being moved. Per Timothy Rapp of Bleacher Report, the GM was rather adamant about it, too.

"“As much as I love LeBron [James], he doesn’t get to pick his teammates,” Olshey told Peter Socotch of NBC Sports Northwest. “That’s not how it works. This isn’t the world of sending a couple of texts out and see who wants to run with us…”"

Granted Olshey feels the way he does, there is the slightest chance Lillard may be okay with leaving Portland.

One indication of this came up not too long back via Twitter. According to Dame, he would be a “happy camper” if he got the chance to play with James.

It is also important to bear in mind how things turned out for Portland this past year. Despite being a three-seed out West, they quickly got ousted in the first round of the playoffs. Surely, this could not have made Lillard a “happy camper.”

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According to Rapp’s piece, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith’s thoughts on the subject echo Sheridan’s. He asserts it is not improbable to think Lillard could come to L.A. if Portland does not add a significant piece.

Rapp also shared Ramona Shelburne’s perspective on Lillard. Even though Shelburne recognizes the rumors, she calls a potential L.A./Portland swap unlikely given the strong hatred between the franchises.

Shelburne’s theory carries a lot of validity. Every time (every time so it seems… I swear) the Lakers play up north, Blazers’ fans are doing all they can to boo the former. It is ludicrous. Therefore, that factor alone could indeed be the nail in the coffin.

It is possible that Portland would consider trading their prized possession if they received the motherload in return. Since the Lakers have been unwilling to do that with respect to trading for Leonard, though, it is unlikely the team would suddenly change their posture.

Next: 50 Greatest Players In Lakers Franchise History

While a Lillard trade is probably not going to occur, one thing is absolutely certain. The Lakers are going to continue to work diligently in order to bolster their chances in 2018-2019. It is hard to not be excited about something of that nature.

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