NBA Trade Rumors: 5 possible landing spots for Damian Lillard

By Zain Majeed | Jul 8, 2018

PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 22: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts during action against the Golden State Warriors during Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center on April 22, 2017 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. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /

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Los Angeles Lakers

Portland acquires: Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Luol Deng

Los Angeles acquires: Damian Lillard, 2020 Lottery protected pick

That LeBron James guy is pretty good with a dynamic scorer as his sidekick. Do Dwyane Wade and Kyrie Irving ring a bell?

Portland will get two young guys with plenty of potential in Ingram and Ball, creating an excellent young foundation. Maybe a pass-first guard in Lonzo and the aura of the BBB is what Portland needs. It’s clear they’re not competing in these conditions in the western conference, so taking a chance on young talent with high ceilings make sense.

As for Los Angeles, getting Lillard gives LeBron a superstar teammate who can create their own shot and is a proven closer. While waiting on Kawhi could be risky, trading for Lillard gives them a long-term option to pair with LeBron.

Along with that, it continues to make the Lakers a legitimate contender (to lose to Golden State in the conference finals) and an attractive option heading into the 2019 free agency.

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